Ghosts and Graveyards

Many Sumatrans believe in ghosts. While walking past this graveyard in Tembilahan a worker commented about the danger of being harassed by the ghosts. With deadpan seriousness the local partner traveling with the American worker said, “Oh no, the ghosts aren’t out at this time.”

The belief in paranormal phenomenon is almost universal here. While the Bible only gives one example of a human spirit returning from the dead (1 Samuel 28:7-19), it gives many examples of evil spirits or demons causing mischief among men. We do well to table our Western skepticism when we hear stories of spiritual presences being encountered among the peoples here.

What Sumatrans need to hear is that Jesus Christ came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). They need to know that the Lord has overcome the powers of this world (John 16:33). Part of the Good News is that Jesus can give them freedom from the spiritual powers that they fear.

Pray for believers to walk in the authority of Christ over the spiritual powers of this world.

Pray for unbelievers to experience the power of Christ over the spirits that they fear.

Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed with power so that the peoples of Sumatra will see God and believe unto salvation.