Traditional Games

These Aneuk Jamee men are selling a hand carved board game that uses marbles. The size of the board is not normally this large. Sumatrans love playing games, or any other activity that they can do in a group. The idea of being alone carries a negative connotation. To stand alone is the worst fate that a Sumatran can conceive.

It is this group consensus mentality that forms a formidable barrier to the Gospel. As Sumatrans consider the Gospel they feel that it would cause them to stand outside the group, thus causing them to stand alone. They would rather play the traditional games and hold the traditional positions rather than stand alone.

Unfortunately, there is more at stake than winning or losing a game. The response of Sumatrans to the Gospel will determine the difference between life and death, heaven and hell. This is no game. In this instance it is far better to stand alone than to fall together.

Pray for Sumatrans to have the courage to stand alone if need be in order to receive the Gospel.

Pray for the Holy Spirit to convict of sin so that Sumatrans realize the gravity of their situation outside of faith in Christ.

Pray for entire families and even villages to come to a group decision to receive the Gospel and stand together.