There’s a saying my husband loves to remind me of every time I think up a new program for our church or community: “Programs don’t change people! People change people!” He’s right. And sometimes when I’m tempted to dust off his reminder, I pause and force myself to ask the following question:
"Is this project, ministry or
program a place where
relationships can be cultivated?"
program a place where
relationships can be cultivated?"
Your MOPS ministry is that place! A visiting mom walks in the door, arms full with an infant carrier, diaper bag and pudgy toddler in tow. Instant sigh of relief when she’s welcomed with a smile, a hug and given directions to the MOPPETTS rooms. After being introduced to several other moms, she’s quickly given a warm cup of tea and plate full of delicious sweet and savory breakfast treats. Calm. Peace. A deep sigh of relief further relaxes the typical guardedness she carries. A Mentor mom delivers a short devotional to the group and she can’t decide if she should laugh or cry. It is exactly what she needed to be reminded of: God’s amazing love for her and her children right where she was.
The conversation led by the Discussion Group leader is so real … and deep. These women “get” her. They really get her! She wants to stand up and squeal, but all codes of normal social behavior won’t let her follow through. She smiles and feels something she hasn’t felt for a long time. She connects with these women. A sense of trust and belonging begin to grow. Hope springs up where just hours before she felt the despair and loneliness of a desert.
Your MOPS Ministry is an incubator for community and relationships! Every mom needs a place to connect, a place where a deep sigh and warm cup of tea makes all the difference in the world. MOPS ministries around the world are providing a place where relationships spring forth and moms are connecting and being encouraged right where they are.
MOPS leaders are stepping up to be the serving, loving hands and feet of Jesus to moms and their children. MOPS leaders fueled by God’s grace and gentleness are developing relationships with moms in their community and bringing them one step closer to Jesus.
Thank you for re-upping your MOPS ministry! Renewing now allows you to think through your leadership team, receive next year’s materials and consider attending MOPS Leadership Summit (sites nationwide) or MOPS Annual Convention in Dallas, Texas, August 9-11, 2012.
{3} days left to Register Online for Summit -
Walk-Ups welcome on event day!
Walk-Ups welcome on event day!
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