Thousands of Mothers Flock to Dallas Despite Impending Storm
Heading in the opposite direction of the estimated 1.3 million people fleeing Hurricane Rita's impending Friday landing, thousands of mothers were determined to hold their annual convention in the Dallas area's Gaylord Texan Resort, Sept. 22-24.
Elisa Morgan, president of Mothers of Preschoolers International (MOPS) gave the keynote talk during the first session 2005 MOPS International Convention, stating, “God has something so powerful planned this weekend in Dallas that no storm can stop Him. Pray for those going through the storm in other parts of Texas and Louisiana.”
"We are 340 miles from the expected landing," explained Laura McGowan, spokesperson for the event. "The first session was filled. The impending weather didn’t seem to affect the crowd size significantly."
Pam Barnet from the Wilton MOPS group at New Hope Church in Wilton, Conn., considered the spiritual renewing offered at the conference important enough for her business, motherhood.
“I came to the MOPS convention with a group of 11 women,” she said. “After talking it over with our husbands and families, we decided that we would not be in any danger from Hurricane Rita in Dallas, and we couldn’t wait to get here! This is my fifth MOPS convention, and it is a time where I feel spiritually renewed in the business of motherhood. I did not want to miss it.”
Barnet is among nearly 1,000 Texan women and thousands of others from across the U.S. and around the world who have come to the once-a-year convention to connect with other moms, gain spiritual insight, develop leadership skills, and share the joys and challenges of motherhood.
MOPS International has seen a steady rise in their numbers over the course of 32 years. The Dallas Morning News reports that "it is perhaps grandmother to the mushrooming numbers of mom groups that appear to be the fix for much of the anxiety and ambivalence that attach to moms who don't work outside the home."
With the onslaught of a second baby boom, 14.3 million mothers now have children under the age of 6 in the United States today. The Denver, Colo.-based organization grew from a single faith-centered group in 1973 to over 3,800 MOPS chapters, 110,000 members in the United States and in 32 other countries.
Starting on the theme note of the 2005 MOPS International Convention, “Twinkle Like Stars in the Universe,” Morgan urged the women to let their lives shine through the sharing of their faith with others.
In a previous interview, Morgan attributed the respite that MOPS provides to Jesus – with whom maintaining a heavenly relationship is necessary to maintain balance.
"I think we should continue to ask Jesus where and how we should invest ourselves and not to just take [a relationship with Jesus] for granted."
Kim Hill ushered in the evening with popular worship song, "Come, Now is the Time to Worship" followed by an opening prayer for those in Texas and Louisiana who might be affected by Hurricane Rita.
The MOPS group has partnered with Christian relief organization, Samaritan's Purse to help hurricane relief efforts. Mothers who are attending are encouraged to bring over-the-counter children’s medications, bottles, nipples, powdered formula, diapers, diaper wipes and baby food/cereal in non-breakable packaging to help local Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, adopt 300 displaced families and minister up to 20,000 additional displaced Americans.
The convention's theme will also be reflected in keynote talks from best-selling author and Brooklyn Tabernacle pastor Jim Cymbala, internationally-known psychologist Dr. Kevin Leman, and popular speakers Lois Evans, Jennifer Rothschild, and Carol Kuykendall.
Musical artists include Sarah Groves, Mark Schultz, Al Denson, Go Fish, and worship leader Kim Hill, along with a special appearance by Dove Award-winning group Out of Eden.
This year, new features include talk-show format bonus sessions with popular speakers and late night showcases.
