WE WENT TO A SMALL FISHING VILLAGE FOR A TWO-DAY HOME STAY.
We were greeted by smiling women who promptly greeted us and took us to their homes. Over the next two days we were fed abundant amounts of delicious food until we were nearly sick.
The village is located on the edge of an island. It is so small that a person can walk from one end to the other in 5 minutes. The people’s main occupation is fishing. They fish for squid, fish, and many other things. As I walked along one of the two main roads or “paths”, I saw many people mending their nets.
AN AVERAGE DAY IN THE LIFE OF THIS PEOPLE.
The majority of the people rise early and fish while others do odd jobs. During the heat of the day, they nap. They also do not have electricity 24 hours a day. During part of the day the power is turned off. In the evening they mend their nets, socialize, and fish some more. And the women cook three times a day.
I HAVE BEEN THINKING A LOT ABOUT FISHING LATELY.
It is not only important to this village but the country as a whole. It even has a holiday to celebrate it.
The first four followers called by Jesus were fishermen. Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
When Jesus was going to go back to his father, he said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, son, and holy spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and I am with you always even to the end of the age.”
Through history classes and friends I have seen the bondage of this people. Bondage from tradition, beliefs, country history, government, and fear of family rejection.
Who is willing to fish for these people? And the many people in the ten forty window like them? Even if we are not called to go, how can we support those that are? How can we be part of reaching these people for Jesus? There are many ways to get involved but are we willing to be a part of finishing the Great Commission?
I think it would be awesome if these people, so big into fishing, were to one day become fishers of men–to one day be one of the main sources for reaching the rest of Asia. Just imagine, just imagine.
