Beating an Old Drum

The photo of this drum was taken at a mosque in Jambi. The drum is often used to call the community together in times of emergency. It’s also used specifically during the month of Ramadan to let Muslims in the area know when the fast commences and when it can be broken.

The drum also has connections to past animistic beliefs concerning loud noises scaring off bad spirits. Most educated Indonesians will laugh about such traditional beliefs when talking with Westerners, but in private they often still believe. Uneducated Indonesians are also embarrassed to talk with outsiders about the world of spirits, but they most certainly believe in evil spirits and take traditional precautions to ward off their attacks.

The Bible clearly teaches that evil spirits exist. We are wise not to let our cultural bias negate the clear testimony of God’s Word. Spiritual warfare is real, but in Christ believers are far from helpless in the battle.

Pray that believers on Sumatra will walk in victory over demonic powers without resorting to traditional protections.

Pray that new believers from people groups on Sumatra will not succumb to mixing traditional, animistic beliefs with faith in Jesus Christ.

Pray for enemy strongholds on Sumatra to be brought down by the power of God through the faithful intercession of the saints on Sumatra. Believers here need to learn how to exercise the authority that they have in Jesus Christ.