Conay (pronounced: koh – nigh) is one of many rural communities located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains along the “El Tránsito” River Valley. Three other rural communities lie in close proximity to Conay: Malaguin (7 km to the east), Chollay (5 km to the south), and Los Tambos (4 km to the west). The population is about 1,000. Many homes can be found set in the foothills along the roads between these communities. The “El Tránsito” River runs into the Huasco River, which ultimately feeds into the Pacific Ocean. The province is named Huasco after this primary river. The Huasco Province is located in the third region of Chile and is situated in the southernmost edge of the Atacama Desert – the driest desert in the world. The primary employment in this region is mining; however, agriculture is very prominent especially in the fertile river valleys.
This area of Chile is blessed with sunshine almost every day of the year. It is cool during the winter months, but it rarely drops below freezing. Summer months are very warm, but it always cools down at night. The crystal clear skies and the stark contrast of the fertile valleys against the barren Andean foothills are just a few of the breathtaking sites.
Most people living in this area work in agriculture-based occupations. Some work in the mining industry as the Andean foothills are known as rich sources of copper, silver and gold.
This area is less than 2% evangelized. Most people would say that they are catholic, but mostly this is cultural. Very few attend mass on a regular basis and some have not been in church since their infant baptism. Each community has a Roman Catholic chapel, however, mass is held only a few times a year. There are no evangelical churches in the Conay area. In April of 2010, IMB missionaries began to visit the area and currently teach home Bible studies in three homes on a monthly basis. The Lord has also opened the door for ministry in all three rural grade schools located in the area (Conay, Chollay and Los Tambos). IMB missionaries visit this area doing ministry once a month. Three homes are faithful to receive us on our monthly visits. Each of the three rural grade schools is also open to receiving visits from us. However, in September 2012 there will no longer be a missionary presence. The closest Baptist church is located 2 hours northwest in the city of Vallenar (it is the only Baptist church in the Huasco Province).
The people living in this area place a high value on relations. Because of this, they are very hospitable; however, they will not believe your message until you have developed a trusting relationship with them. They hold many syncretistic beliefs (mixture of Roman Catholicism and animism and some new age) – resulting in Mary worship and other forms of idolatry. Primary barriers to church growth from my perspective are outright complacency in almost every aspect of life, drug and alcohol abuse, and basic compliance to the cultural Roman Catholicism.
Transportation: between communities is limited. Public buses run a route three times a day. Rental cars are available in La Serena and Copiapó (the closest cities with airports).
Hotels: Turismo Rural Montañas del Colpe (near Conay): 12 single beds, 3 bathrooms. Approximately $50.00 per person with three home cooked meals. La Casona (in Chanchoquín Grande, 45 minute drive from Conay): boarding for up to 18 people. Approximately $40.00 per person, breakfast included.
Medical Facilities: A medical post in Conay can provide minimal emergency care. Vallenar (2 hours from Conay) has one hospital. Most minor medical matters can be treated there. The city of Copiapó is a 2 hour drive north from Vallenar, and the cities of La Serena and Coquimbo are a 2.5 hour drive south from Vallenar, and they have larger and more modern medical facilities. Santiago is 668 km south of Vallenar (9-hour drive) and has very advanced hospitals and private clinics with state-of-the-art medical equipment and highly skilled medical specialists. If you take any prescription medicine, you should bring your medications with you because Rx medication is sold here only with a prescription. Most over-the-counter medications that are available in the US are also available here without prescription.
Need: We are looking for a church to adopt the Conay area and partner with us in the planting of a reproducible church that will be able to plant other churches in this river valley. Currently, the closest Baptist church is located 2 hours northwest in the city of Vallenar (it is the only Baptist church in the Huasco Province). A working relationship could be developed with the Baptist church in Vallenar but it is a very small but mission-minded congregation. We need a church that will commit for a 3-5 year period or until a level of equipped believers is reached and a church planted that will allow the gospel to be carried to other unevangelized rural communities in the river valley.
If you would like to adopt the Conay area and partner with us, please contact us.