updated 10/11/23
Prayer Podcasts: For city 2/27/22 | For city officials 8/8/22 | For churches/ministries
Location: in the Mojave Desert of Southern California; an important crossroads for the Inland Empire and home to Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow; cities to the west include Lenwood & Hinkley, southwest Adelanto & Apple Valley; southeast Dagget; north is Fort Irwin and east is Baker.
Mission Statement: To provide a better way of life through local control of public safety, development, services and amenities; enhancing our residents’ lives and providing for our community’s future.
DEMOGRAPHICS: Founded in 1886 and incorporated as a city in 1947; est. population 25,488 [2022]; 46% Hispanic; 25% White; African American 18%; Asian 3%; American Indian 2%; Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander <2%; other 8%; Median value of house $117K; 78% high school graduate; bachelors or more 9%; median income $40K; poverty 35% (POINT OF PRAYER)
In 1883, the borax rush hit and increased over the next decade; As the 20th century progressed, Calico and Daggett (major borax workers) diminished while Barstow grew. It became a busy rail center and a jumping off place for immigrants entering the state on US Route 66, as made famous by John Steinbeck's novel "The Grapes of Wrath." Modern and historic facilities are still available along Barstow's Main Street, the original Route 66. Just off Main Street, at First Street, travelers can drive over an old iron bridge that leads to the railroad depot once the site of the historic Harvey House, originally opened in 1911. With the construction of the modern Interstate Highway system Barstow's future of growth was assured, as I-40 and I-15 converged at the city limits with State Highway 58, making it the transportation hub of the western Mojave Desert. [to read more about the History click on the History heading]
“A progressive High Desert community with small-town advantages that preserves and promotes a quality environment in which to live, work and play."
Motto - "Crossroads of Opportunity"
Location of Barstow in SBC
Specific Prayer Points
Environmental issues: fires; extreme drought; has a very high earthquake risk, with a total of 1,073 earthquakes since 1931. The USGS database shows that there is a 86.98% chance of a major earthquake within 50km of Barstow, CA within the next 50 years. The largest earthquake within 30 miles of Barstow, CA was a 5.2 Magnitude in 1985.
Governed by: City Council; Ethics Code for Officials, Council, Barstow staff; Community
Schools/District: Barstow Unified School district; Barstow Adult, High, Jr. High, STEM Academy & Fine Arts Academy; Central Continuation High school; Cameron elementary; Crestline elementary; Henderson elementary; Lenwood elementary; Montara elementary; Skyline North elementary; Barstow Community college; Bridges Beauty College
Crime issues: 92311 & 92312 [2022] A crime occurs every 4 hours 28 minutes (on average) in Barstow; overall crime grade is D+; violent crime D; property crime D; other crime C- ; top crime issues are vandalism 13%; theft 11%; ; drug crimes & burglary 9%
Poverty rate: 36.4% [very high >21% of CA avg 15%]; M 32%; F 41%; 18-59 yrs 31%; 60-74
Points of interest: Barstow Harvey House | Cannabis Supercenter
Spiritual needs: Churches unite & experience revival; intercessors to arise and claim this city for Jesus; neighborhood prayer walks and drives; creative ways to reach the poor and help them find jobs and build up their finances; churches provide finance classes; boldness to share the gospel; laborers for the harvest; pastors to connect and pray for encouragement, growth, unity and revival; prayer groups to arise in each church preaching the Gospel; transformation and reformation as a result of a sweep of God throughout this area
Churches & Ministries [not exhaustive]