About Our Area

 

Demographics

The population of the San Quintín region has between 200,000 and 400,000 inhabitants and is spread out over about 50 communities and neighborhoods, with several migrant farm camps. Most communities range in size from several thousand to around 15,000. The main economic activity in the area, employing nearly 150,000 individuals, is the production of fresh market vegetables by agribusinesses for export to the United States. These crops are dependent almost totally on well water. Many people in coastal communities make their living from the sea. Currently, the basic daily wage for field workers averages around $6.00-$10.00 daily. Workers as young as 8 or 10 may also be employed when labor demand is high. This makes it possible for some families to have 2-3, or more, wage earners. The various companies provide free transportation from the camps and communities to the fields and back. A large part of the agricultural workforce is of Indian heritage, mainly from the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero, which are southern states of Mexico. The area comprises around 80% indigenous folks who have migrated to work in the fields from Mexico’s southern states. The area is very safe, and the people are humble farm-working folks.

 

Evangelical Churches

There are approximately 175 evangelical churches in the region. Some churches may have as few as 15-30 attendees, while most would probably fall in the 30-100 range. The area churches represent perhaps 4,000 people, or about 3.5 to 4% of the population, about the same as the national average. Most of the pastors are Mexican nationals, a few of whom are indigenous, but there are also a few American and Central American pastors. Some pastors have had some Bible School or seminary training, but many have had little or no formal training. Many of the pastors do secular work on the side to support themselves. Few of the pastors speak English. 

 

Communications

Cellular phone service is available throughout the region and is the most widely used communication method. Internet service is also available in most areas. 

 

Roads & Fuel

Essentially, the only paved road in the area is Highway 1. All other side roads are dirt. Some caution should be taken when driving on the highway as it's narrow in some places. Extra caution should be taken at night, due to the higher incidence of drunk drivers, animals on the road, bicycles without reflectors, and vehicles with burned-out lights or headlights out of adjustment. After heavy rains, the dirt roads in the area can become extremely muddy and difficult to navigate. The Mexican army has several checkpoints on the highway for drugs and guns. Unleaded (gasoline, Magna Sin) and diesel fuel are available at numerous regional gas stations. The prices are the same at all stations. A higher grade unleaded fuel (coded red) is available. Some stations are open 24 hours. Presently, unleaded regular gas costs about $5.00 a gallon and unleaded premium gas about $5.50.

 

Public Transportation

Microbuses run regularly between Colonet and Nueva Odisea during daylight hours. In a more limited area along the highway, inexpensive taxi service is available.

 

Utilities

Electricity is available in many communities, although some still lack it. The electricity current is the same voltage as in the U.S., and it costs about two to three times as much as in the U.S.

 

Water

City water is available in most communities, with many communities having their own well. In communities without water service, residents purchase water from water trucks. Where city water is available, water pressure varies significantly throughout the day and depending on the season. Sometimes, towns will only have water one or two days a week. For someone to have consistent, substantial water pressure, investing in getting their own water storage tank and a pump is often necessary. City water is generally untreated, and its quality varies significantly from community to community, depending on the well it comes from.

 

Drinking Water

For drinking water, most people purchase purified water in 5-gallon jugs (costing about $1.00) from area stores.

 

Medical Services

There are dozens of private physicians with offices throughout the region. There are also numerous pharmacies where medicines can be purchased and labs where laboratory studies can be done. There are 2 private hospitals in San Quintín and several government hospitals. There are also countless smaller clinics. It should be noted that there are numerous traditional Indian medicine men or witch doctors (who, by the way, charge about 10 times what a doctor's visit costs).

 

Lovely Beaches

Our area is blessed with miles of sandy beaches that are little used. There is a nearby beach about one mile from our ministry base. Also, there are many other nearby beaches within a short driving distance. The beaches are very clean and little used. There are many shells and sea life that can be seen. Go Missions to Mexico’s Mission Base, which is located about a mile from the beach and has direct access. More on Our Beaches

 

Our Area is Safe

Because we’re located in a rural farming valley, there’s no need to worry about safety. Things are peaceful and tranquil here. We’ve lived in Mexico since 1998, and things remain quiet and calm. The people are humble, friendly, and open to Americans coming down to share Christ's love. You will be welcomed with wide open arms as you share Christ with the folks in our area. More on Safety

 

Weather in Our Area of Mexico

Summertime highs are in the mid-80s to mid-90s, and summertime lows are in the 70s. Wintertime highs are in the upper 60s and 70s, and lows are in the upper 40s and 50s. We’re located a mile from the ocean, so the temperatures are moderate year-round.

More on Weather