Introduction by Barbra
Our KTM blogger today is Melanie. She is a KTM member and friend who has helped us with Ludlati projects and is now organizing a project for a missionary family and the poor neighborhood they live in and love in Reynosa, Mexico which is right across the US/Mexico border. Get to know the Soriano family, their love for their neighbors, and read about how you can help!
The last time I was in Mexico was 9 years ago this August. Blistering hot. Sunburned feet. Stomach issues. Struggling with the fast Spanish speaking (this is not like college class spanish). Traveling with someone I had never traveled with before. Uh, no, it was not for a “mission trip”. It was my honeymoon! Yes, it is VERY hot in August in Mexico. But when you’re in love, crazy love (stealing a phrase here) you will do some things that just defy the world’s sense of logic.
Now we find our hearts turned toward Mexico in a love way again. This time we would like to assist the people and children living in the Reynosa, Mexico area. This city is located 22 hours south of where we live in Illinois. This “project” started because Salome Soriano came to visit our church a few months ago to update us on their progress.
Felix & Salome Soriano, along with their 3 young children, have been friends of our church family for a few years. 
We have been blessed & privileged to see them grow as a family, and as servants of the Lord. They left for Reynosa last June. We are excited to partner with them on this project of donations, and look forward to establishing a greater bond with them and the ministry near Reynosa, Mexico. They have joined a group called La Vina Ministries. You can check out their website for other programs (this one is listed as “yet to come) La Vina has established. http://www.vineyardmcm.org/
In Salome’s words: “The people in our neighborhood are very poor and struggle daily to meet their basic needs. Most days they don’t have water. Here are some of the ways that we have brought the Kingdom of God into these people’s lives this last year by meeting a physical need: weekly feeding program, food distribution, clothing distribution, medical clinics, shoe distributions, school supply distribution, and educational classes. We are most excited about the growth that we have seen in our church outreaches. This last year we have added three vacation Bible schools, two weekly Bible study groups, weekly kids program, and Sunday service. It is amazing to see what God has done in this neighborhood this last year.”
If you would like to pray for this family, Here is a Top 5 prayer request list for them:
- An outpouring of the Holy spirit.
- *Provision for the construction that still needs to be done.
- A reliable water source for the colonia.
- Financial support for the Soriano Family.
- Protection for the new believers.
The have some other needs, as well: School supplies in Backpacks, clothing all sizes all seasons, shoes, pots, pans, sheets, blankets, towels, washcloths, Spanish books, Spanish Bibles, diapers, toys, canned food, flashlights/batteries, Cash donations for a 16ft. flatbed trailer to carry items across the border.
The exciting news is that a backpack drive is now under way! 
They have about 390 students in their care area, and that seems to be growing all the time. I set a goal originally of 25 backpacks from our church family. If you or your bible study group, youth group, homeschool group, family, etc.would like to join us, we just may be able to get closer to that 390!
I have a flyer here for you to see all the information in one place. Please feel free to print and share.
http://www.knowntome.net/index.php/site/Backpacks_for_Amigos/
Click on the flyer for one to print.
A truck is heading down to the Soriano family mid-August. So if you would like to pack a backpack or organize a group to do that, please let us know (see emails and phone numbers on the flyer). We are happy to pick up your items!
Thank you!
Here is a video from last years delivery!
