First, we must recognize what is called the “small step concept.” This means we must use all our manpower, whether missionary or national, in its most productive role.
When a missionary moves from an urban city setting to the jungle, a huge step has been taken involving change in culture, language, health, food; and even then there often remains a cultural separation. Much of his time is devoted to just trying to exist. Estimates vary, but many missionaries in remote areas spend 80% of their time tending to the details of daily survival, leaving only 20% of their time for actual ministry. In most cases, such a model does not represent the best use of time and resources.
When missionaries from urban areas are sent to a city in India a small step is taken. A little cultural change, another language and they are at work. On many levels the culture of the city is very similar to the missionary’s home town.
When the nationals in the capital are won to Christ and challenged properly, they go to the secondary or provincial cities—a very small step for them since this is where many of them originally lived. When those in the provincial cities are won to Christ, they in turn go to the smaller cities and even to the jungles.
The nation is won through everyone taking only a small step. If we are to reach the world, we must wisely use the resources we are given.