Rupat Island
Lanterns
Small lanterns line the shore at night providing markers for where to drag in the nets. Families are often seen swing-net fishing at low tide. A member of the family will hold one side of the net secure on shore while another drags the net through the water in semicircles, returning the net to shore with the catch. Other family members sort the fish by lantern light, selecting prawns, crabs, squid and other edible fish to bring home. Blowfish, baby tiger sharks, octopi, eel, and undesirable fish are discarded.
These lanterns are small sources of light, but also an inspiring analogy of how a few followers of Christ could shine in a place like Rupat Island. One day, God willing, many believers will shine as lights throughout the island and into neighboring areas.
The kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matthew 13:47-50 (NIV)
- Pray that the Father will gather good fish from the island, people who will whole-heartedly follow Him.
- Pray that "lanterns of light" will soon shine for Him on this island.