The Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20) challenges us to go and "make disciples." In those areas that have been reached by the gospel, Christians desperately need to be nurtured and trained in the faith.  However, there are many that have not even heard a clear gospel presentation!  It is estimated that 87% of unreached people groups live in countries closed to traditional missionary activities.  In other words, though western missionaries can be found in almost every country in the world, in many places they must work "undercover" and consequently are limited.  God is raising up national missionaries to carry the message to their own people and to disciple them while at the same time ministering to their needs.  In many ways national have distinct advantages in being missionaries in their native land.