This is a story I just made up as I was thinking of church ministry strategy. Interpret it as you will.

slot-canyon

There once were two cities in a canyon. The first city was on top of the west cliff, and the second was in the valley. One day, during the rainy season, a nearby river in the valley flooded over and destroyed the city. One-tenth of the people died from drowning, or from disease in subsequent days from wading around in stagnant water.

Those on the east side of the valley ran to the east side of the cliff, where there was no city, and those on the west side began climbing up the west cliff, where there was another city already founded.

Those on the east side began climbing up to avoid the flood. Most of them gave up along the way and said, “We will stay here and attempt to rebuild our city. Besides, we are safe from hostile nations here.” They had many troubles trying to survive, much less improve the condition of their health and their city. But others continued climbing.

By the time they got to the top, they were tired and hungry. “If only there were a place for us to stay, or a restaurant where we could eat.” Many of them died of starvation, but only the few who were strong enough to carry food and prepared with survival skills survived. They continued as nomads and eventually began to rebuild their community.

Those who reached the west cliff approached it already tired and hungry. “We do not have enough resources for all of us to continue,” they said. But when they looked up, there were ropes being lowered down. Many of the people who lived on the cliff side came to help them up. “If we help these people,” they said, “they can help us build our city even bigger and be ready to face our enemies.

Those from the city that was not threatened by the flood assisted those who were at the bottom, and many who would have died were lifted up, given food, and treated for infection. Those who were already strong were also lifted up, but had extra energy to bring the sick back to health more quickly. The people from the valley were then made to be servants there.

Which of the three factions from the valley was most effective in bringing people to safety?