MOPS
stands for Mothers of Preschoolers.
MOPS exists for every mom--urban, suburban, and rural moms, stay-at-home
and working moms, teen, single and married moms-- moms with different
lifestyles who all share a similar desire - to be the very best
moms they can be!
Watch
a short video about MOPS
The
MOPS ministry brings the importance of motherhood to the forefront
and provides mothers of preschool-aged children with a network of
friends and Christian-based resources to guide and support them.
MOPS
In Holland meets the first and third Thursdays of the month during
the regular school year at Trinity International Church. (See our
Calendar for current meeting dates).
At a typical MOPS meeting, you can drop-off your preschooler(s)
in our MOPPETS program starting at 9:15 am. (Please note:
If you have older children that are not in school for any reason,
we kindly ask that you make other arrangements for them.) Tea, coffee,
juice and breakfast are provided in a warm, cozy atmosphere where
you can relax and enjoy the food while chatting with other moms.
(Please see our Info page for more information
about the costs involved in MOPS.)
A
MOPS Mentor shares a "Mentor Moment" with words of inspiration
and encouragement, as someone who has experienced and matured through
the years of early childhood. Afterwards there is a time
of meaningful discussion in the Discussion Groups; and this can
range on a variety of topics that touch mothers today. It is during
the discussion group time that the moms get to know themselves and
other moms better developing friendships and providing an opportunity
for personal expression.
This
truly international MOPS group was chartered in March of 2002 when
Tracy Pedersen, an American mom, felt God's call to spread the vision
of MOPS to as many moms as possible.
Her
husband, herself, and her children were expats living and working
in The Netherlands, and she recognized a common need among the moms
in her community - to gather together and share the love of Jesus
and to support each other in their roles as moms. This need was
especially urgent because expatriate mothers of young children in
a foreign country are at a high risk for feeling isolated.
MOPS In Holland of Trinity International Church is chartered through
an international church whose congregation represents thirty-one
different nations.
The
MOPS group itself has about fifty registered moms from more than
a dozen countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, Liberia, Surinam,
Australia, South Korea, Canada, The Netherlands, St. Lucia, Great
Britain, Scotland, Greece, Italy, The United States, Japan, The
Philippines, and Russia. They meet together, loving and nurturing
each other in spite of cultural differences that could easily divide
them. They share a common desire - to be the best moms they can
be.
There were some significant challenges and obstacles at the outset.
After having just a few meetings and registering their first moms,
their church was broken into and their MOPS cash box stolen with
all of their registration fees and start-up cash. These funds were
to be used to advertise their group and also cover some of the costs
of Creative Activities materials and childcare.
They had no money to start building their ministry. Cheryl Koevoet
shared these thoughts about the faith-building experiences on Steering:
"We
decided to hold a rummage and bake sale, and although almost
none of us had any experience in this area, members of our Steering
Team rose to the occasion. The unofficial motto for our Steering
Team had become "Step Out Of Your Box!"
Because
our church had never held such a large fundraiser, we had no
prior experience to draw from, and it was truly a leap of faith.
We were forced to do things we had never done before and take
on new roles. Faced with many obstacles, such as strictly regulated
Dutch permit-issuances for holding a public event and city regulations
on advertising, we nevertheless pressed on.
We
collected and priced clothes, books, kitchen utensils, and bric-a-brac
from our congregation. Against all odds and by the grace of
God, we raised 1,500 euros and we were exuberant! Finally we
could start doing some of the things with the group that we
had only dreamed about!"
As
the MOPS group started growing, so did the experience of the Steering
Team. Tracy Pedersen left with her family for an assignment in
Singapore in December 2002 (where she planted another MOPS group
in 2004), and Amelia Peter took over as Coordinator in January
2003.
When
Amelia Peter repatriated out of The Netherlands in December of
2003, Cheryl Koevoet stepped into the position of Coordinator.
After
serving three years as MOPS In Holland Coordinator, Cheryl Koevoet
left the position in June 2006 to become the first-ever MOPS European
Ministry Advancement Coordinator.
It
was at this time when Michelle Hanna felt called by God to step
into the position of Coordinator in June 2006. Michelle served
as Coordinator until April of 2007 after which Paula Garcia-Ballerini
took over the reigns. Sanne Speidel was called to lead the group
in December of 2007 and is currently serving as MOPS in Holland
Coordinator.
Constant
turnovers on Steering insure that the group remains focused and
dynamic, but one thing that never changes is their faith in Jesus
Christ.
MOPS
In Holland is an official, chartered member of MOPS International
and a part of the MOPS In Europe Council. For more information,
see www.mopsineurope.org
