COATS, N.C. — While the country continues its war on terrorism, one local man faces a mission of his own. He is a relief worker in Afghanistan, trying to spread love to Afghan men, women, and children miles from enemy lines.

For the past one and a half years, 31-year-old John Weaver has forsaken the luxuries of America for the hot, dry lands of northern Afghanistan. As a relief worker for Shelter for Life International, Weaver has given out food and built shelters for needy Afghan families.

"God has blessed my life, so what better way to show his love than by helping the people who need it the most," he said.

However, after the events of Sept. 11, his humanitarian efforts took on a whole new meaning.

"At times, it did occur to me that maybe I could die doing this, but I counted that cost years before," he said.

So did his mother, Sandra Weaver, who was happy to see her son come home for a surprise Christmas visit.

"Just knowing he's in the United States and I can just pick up the phone, it's wonderful," she said.

For the past three weeks, Weaver has visited schools and churches sharing his experiences, but he said there is still plenty of work to do.

"All of the evil of Sept. 11 is being replaced by all of the good," he said.

Shelter for Life International is a nongovernmental, nonprofit group working in seven different countries.

Weaver said he will return to Afghanistan on Friday.