The Market
The Tree
Close to the market area there once stood a huge old tree. At least five people tried to cut the tree down to make way for a new building. All five died after their attempt. To the residents of Pekanbaru, it was obvious that an evil spirit inhabited the old tree.
On one occasion, the owner of the land went back to his village to seek the help of the village dukun (traditional healer), but to no avail. The owner then published a want ad in the newspaper promising a huge reward for the person who would succeed in cutting down the tree. The old tree continued to stand for a long time as people were fearful and stayed away from it. Eventually, however, the tree was cut down.
The Lord said to Gideon, "Pull down your father's altar to Baal, and cut down the Asherah pole standing beside it."
Judges 6:25 (NLT)
- Pray against fear of evil spirits, which is common here. Pray that the Riau Malay would learn how to take authority over evil spirits.