While serving in the U.S. Navy in 1955, my ship was anchored off the coast of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. It was my first experience with extreme poverty.

I remember young men swimming out to the ship to ask us to throw them something to eat. It’s been 55 years ago, but the memory of my visit is still as clear as it was those many years ago.

Having the liberty to go on shore, I walked in the town and Haitians would beg for money.

It was also my first experience with voodooism. Haiti is called the voodoo capital of the world. At night, you could hear the drums of the witch doctors as they practiced their religion of sorcery, charm, and fetishes (magical powers).

Those memories were buried deep in my mind until the earthquake Tuesday that devastated Port-au-Prince. Thousands of people died. Bodies are decaying in the streets and people are buried alive.

One survivor who was buried for one day before being rescued said that one day seemed like a year. Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the hemisphere, is experiencing one of the worst catastrophes in my lifetime.

When a tragedy such as the earthquake in Haiti happens, people are quick to want to help. Friday morning at our Bible study meeting, one man talked about the disaster. I asked if he intended to go to Haiti. “No,” he answered, “but I’ll do something.” “What?” I asked. “I’ll send money,” he responded.

That’s a great response, but I think these situations should encourage us to also act at home. The poor will always be around us and will always have a need. Let’s be conscious of the people in our community as we pray and send money to the relief efforts in Haiti.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.