Batu Batikam
The brothers decided to avoid bloodshed by deciding the issue with a duel. However, the first brother stuck his iron weapon into a rock rather than his opponent. Not to be outdone, the second brother stuck a wooden stick into another rock and it went right through, thus winning the duel. This is that rock, you are told.
In the end the brothers came to a compromise. The villages would each follow the system they wanted. To this day that choice is reflected in the structure of their traditional houses. In democratic villages the houses have floors all on the same level whereas in the aristocratic ones there is a raised platform at each end of the house.
This story reflects something of the pragmatic, rational characteristics that these people prize and also the ability to creatively solve problems.
• Ask that people who come to faith in Jesus will be able to find creative ways to remain in their communities.
• Ask that their families will be cool-headed enough to accept their decision despite the pain and shame it brings on them and then be attracted to following Jesus due to the changes they see in new believers' lives.
• Ask that, just as the two systems of village government exist side by side, eventually groups of followers of Jesus can live peaceably alongside groups that do not yet acknowledge His Lordship.