About Our Area

 

Demographics

The population of the San Quintín region has between 200,000 - 400,000 inhabitants and is spread out over about 50 communities and neighborhoods, with several migrant farm camps. Most communities range is 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. At present, the basic daily wage for field workers averages around $6.00-$10.00 a day. Workers as young as 8 or 10 may be employed as well when labor demand is high. This makes it possible for some families to have 2-3, or more wage earners. Transportation from the camps and communities out to the fields and back is provided free by the various companies. 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 is made up of 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. All together 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 themselves, but there are also a few American and Central American pastors. Some of the 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 way for communication. Internet service is also available in many areas. Landline telephone service is now widely available in the region, though there still are many smaller communities where standard phone service is not available. Casetas telefónicas (phone stalls) in small businesses where an attendant places the call for you, abound. Pay phones that use coins or prepaid phone cards are common in public places and within many businesses as well.

 

Roads & Fuel

Essentially, the only paved road in the area is Highway 1. AII 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 gas stations throughout the region. 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 $3.25 a gallon and unleaded premium gas about $3.50.

 

Public Transportation

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

 

Utilities

Electricity is available in many communities, although in some, there is still no electricity. Electricity current is the same voltage as in the U.S. Electricity 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 greatly throughout the day and depending on the season. In many cases, towns will only have water one or two days a week. For someone to have consistent, substantial water pressure, it is often necessary to make a considerable investment in getting their own water storage tank and a pump. City water is generally untreated, and its quality varies greatly 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 (cost about a $.80 cents) from area stores.

 

Medical Services

There are dozens of private physicians with offices throughout the region. Numerous pharmacies where medicines can be purchased, and a number of 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 close-by beach about one mile from our ministry base. Also, there are many other close-by 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 is located about a mile from the beach with 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 been living here for 18 years now and things remain quiet and calm. The people are very humble, friendly, and open to Americans coming down to share the love of Christ with them. 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 80’s to mid 90’s, summertime lows are in the 70’s. Wintertime highs are in the upper 60’s and 70’s.  Lows are in the upper 40’s and 50’s.  We’re located a mile from the ocean so the temperatures are moderate year around.

More on Weather