Where particularly is the need great in México for English?

Hard-working elders and ministerial servants are in the greatest demand as most of those already in the circuits are working "double-time" because of the limited number of responsible brothers. Since there are an estimated 1,000,000 English-speaking persons in the territories of México-English, and only about 10% of this territory having been canvassed, it is easy to see why both pioneer brothers and sisters are needed as well!

What about the territory? Is it city or country territory?

Where should we move to?  Where do we begin?

The wise course, most definitely, is to always research the Society's publications, talk with the brothers at the Branch office, elders in your own congregation, and then with others who have successfully made the move! Once this is done, the decision does not seem to be so overwhelming. Some excellent suggestions are given on the two links: 

www.needgreaters.com/SuggestionsSociety.htm  and

www.needgreaters.com/SuggestionsNG.htm

Practical advice from one Circuit Overseer in México is: "Decide if you want to start out in an established English congregation or a group, remembering that many of the English groups are part of Spanish congregations...and remember that where you first serve in México does not have to be a decision 'etched in stone'.  In time, many move to other locations." 

One Branch office often stresses to its needgreaters that they should "spy out the land" and find a location to serve where they will be happy--since "if you are happy in your assignment you will do well at it and you will stay!"  This is especially true for families.

What about the Cost of Living in México?

It obviously depends on where one wants to live and what they require to feel "at home." This, of course, is true of cost of rentals, also. Overall, rentals are much cheaper than in the States or Canada -- especially if one is willing to live in modest (yet adequate) housing. The cost of utilities is somewhat comparable to the States. Food is much cheaper (and better, many feel) if you don't "need" imported foods from the States. Gasoline is about $2.85 (U.S.) per gallon for high octane. As far as access to your money, there are ATMs everywhere in this country so it is very easy to withdraw your money locally from your foreign bank accounts.

One additional expense:  The  cost of traveling to and attending our assemblies and conventions in the States is not usually a major concern.. However, because México-English is only 4 circuits in the whole country, there is usually a lot of travel involved. Most of the brothers have to save up between assemblies in order to cover travel, hotel and other costs. But, of course, they never regret one centavo as  the English assemblies in México are unique and not to be missed. Just ask anyone who has ever attended one. [see:  www.needgreaters.com/MexicoEnglishConventions.htm ]

What about Medical Care?  Is there good medical care in México?

Like anywhere in the world, it is always best to get personal references for doctors, dentists, hospitals, etc. On a personal basis, one needgreater couple explains, "We have experienced two emergency medical situations here in México (one included the need for surgery).  With both, we received care equivalent to the very best we ever received in the U.S.  The cost is MUCH less expensive than in the States.  We’ve heard that there are some inexpensive health care plans here available to foreigners.  Personally, we don’t have specific information about them as we have private coverage from the States."  Medicare from the U.S. doesn't cover anyone outside the United States. Brothers desiring to use their Medicare coverage must travel to the U.S. for medical treatment, prescriptions, etc. Some who have chosen to serve where there is a greater need despite medical problems, successfully travel to their home country several times a year for medical treatment.

What about employment?  Can one work in México? How do the needgreater brothers support themselves?

For those entering México on tourist visas (which are good for a maximum of 180 days), working secularly is illegal. For those with a regular FM3 visa (which allows them to live in México by means of income they have from outside the country such as retirement pensions, etc). secular work is also prohibited. But, many have obtained a "working" FM3 which allows them to legally work here. Most who have a "working" FM3 teach English. There are many requirements -- it is best to check with your local Mexican consulate in the States or ask those who are working in México under this arrangement.

Some needgreaters obtain "working FM3" visas and obtain work.  For example, some brothers are English teachers, another works as a  tennis instructor, another has houses built and sells them, another sells jewelry, and other brothers run their businesses from home over the internet from México.  Some needgreaters leave their businesses back home in the hands of others and merely make periodic trips back and forth during the year to do business.

How would one go about obtaining their Social Security pension from home?: 

Many maintain a "permanent home address" in their home country as well as their bank account there, and are able to withdraw their Social Security from ATM machines in México, since these checks are directly deposited by the government into their home country's bank. In this way, many are able to serve in México on their small Social Security pensions. Some brothers from Canada spend 6 months in Canada every year in order to continue to qualify for their Canadian health insurance---it's a hardship, but they travel back to Canada every six months and then return for another six-month stint in Mexidonia.  However, their sacrifice is much appreciated by the brothers in México as they are a great help to the congregations during the time that they spend there. 

What is the weather like?

The need is great everywhere throughout the country and it is not difficult to choose an area where the climate is pleasing and comfortable for you personally. .As one Circuit Overseer put it, "There are all types of climate in this beautiful country. Choose which is best for you!"  The climate varies greatly throughout the country. For example: the city of Aguascalientes and Guadalajara--both of these places have their "hot season" which is generally between late April and the end of June. Then follows a rainy season with a cooling off of the weather to a very pleasant temperature.  In Colima it is hotter and more humid due to its proximity to the ocean.  There are very mild places in México, and there are cooler ones as well. Just choose which type of climate you prefer. For a list of cities & areas & their weather throughout the year by seasons, along with maps of their locations, CLICK HERE.

What are the people like in general?   

As a group, the people of México are very friendly, helpful, industrious, and greatly respect the Bible. Most demonstrate kindly manners that would put many in the U.S. to shame. One needgreater couple had this to say, "We lived decades in Los Angeles, California and feel safer on the streets of México than in the U.S."  [See www.needgreaters.com/MéxicoCultureHistory.htm ]

What is the situation in regard to water & electricity in México?

All people of México (including the nationals) disinfect their drinking water (or buy it already purified—and it's cheap by U.S. standards) and their fresh produce before eating. The water direct from the faucets is fine for bathing, and brushing teeth.

Electricity is steady---an outage on occasion, but nothing too terribly difficult to deal with. 

Is there Internet in México? 

High speed internet (DSL) is available throughout the country in most larger/medium cities.  It works great and costs about $40.00 U.S. per month.  Very cheap internet cafes are virtually everywhere (from $1 - $2.20 U.S. per hour, depending on the location). 

Is there any Kingdom Hall construction work going on by the brothers in México? 

"Mexican Lives", by Judith Adler Hellman
"The People's Guide to Mexico", by Carl Franz
"Guide to Mexican Camping" [traveling to México by RV or trailer [by Mike Church]
"Doing Business & Investing in México", by USA International Business Publications

"Live Better South of the Border", by Mike" Nelson (& others by him)

Should you have any further questions not covered on the México-English Serving Where the Need is Great web pages, please feel free to email Jess & Marina Calderón: LosCalderon@hotmail.com, who are presently serving with México-English in Colima.