Rupat Island
Nets and Fishing
On Rupat Island fishing occurs throughout the day and into the night. The Riau Malay fish using nets and also using lines reeled around water bottles or other round cylindrical objects. Fishing is done from small dug out canoes, large wooden ships, and 10 meter long planked boats. On Rupat Island fishing seasons are based on the Riau calendar. The Riau calendar follows the cycles of the moon and subsequent tides. Fishing is one of the main sources of income and food for the Riau Malay.
Fishing nets are seen throughout Rupat Island. Most nets that are used along the shore are 50 meters in length. It takes three months to make the nets by hand, knotting the line and securing it to the edging. Men can be seen repairing and making nets. Nets sit on the porches of the homes. Old nets are used as enclosures for volleyball courts (volleyball is common sport among the Riau Malay) or as barriers to keep animals inside of grazing areas and other animals out of gardens.
... they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break ... When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken ... Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people." So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.
Luke 5:6-11 (NIV)
- Request that the Lord will show His power to the Riau Malay on Rupat Island so that they too will Him. Pray that many will be willing to drop everything and follow Christ.
- Pray that Riau Malay followers will become fishers of men and women.