A new prayer group is offering local mothers of children struggling with addiction a supportive and understanding environment to come together in faith. The Moms of Manning Addicts (MOMA) Prayer Group is set to begin monthly meetings in October, giving Manning moms the opportunity to gather, share their experiences, and pray for their children’s safety and sobriety.
Modeled after a similar group in Sumter, the MOMA Prayer Group was established with the belief that prayer and faith can provide comfort in difficult times. The group’s name, MOMA, was inspired by a biblical definition rooted in Hebrew. According to the group’s informational pamphlet, the word means “child” or “to give birth, form, or create.” For many mothers, the meaning resonates with their mission to save and nurture their children despite the challenges of addiction.
“MOMA was not a name that came after hours of brainstorming,” the group’s founder wrote. “God placed the acronym directly into my head. The first time I said it out loud, I immediately thought it sounded like a real word. God works in some pretty cool and amazing ways.”
Unlike other support groups, MOMA is centered on prayer and spiritual support rather than offering solutions or advice. The group encourages members to lift up their families and children in prayer, emphasizing that all things are possible through faith. Meetings will focus on praising God for His grace and mercy, and praying for strength and guidance as mothers navigate the struggles of addiction.
MOMA’s foundation rests on the pillars of love, understanding, and prayer. The group’s mission is to provide mothers with a safe, judgment-free environment where they can feel comfortable expressing their fears and hopes. Members are asked to refrain from judging or criticizing others, as well as from discussing specific details about other group members’ situations outside the meetings.
“Our prayer is that you will find the comfort you need and the realization that you are never alone on this journey,” the pamphlet reads. “We often feel isolated, but we are not alone!”
The group also encourages building connections outside of the scheduled monthly meetings, with the hope that mothers will create their own support networks.
The first MOMA meeting will take place on Monday, October 14, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the John Landon Black Foundation, located at 16 North Brooks Street. The group will continue to meet on the second Monday of each month at the same time and location.
For more information, those interested can email MOMA at MOMA.prayer@gmail.com.
