"I have spoken with (Child Protective Services) and let them know that I would take any and all children that they would allow me to have that aren't going to be returned to their parents," she said.

A Baptist church in Fort Worth has offered to purchase or rent a home for her and any children she may be allowed to care for or even adopt.

"I believe God equipped me to understand what they're going through. I went through that myself, and guided my children as much as I could through it and watched them struggle," Mackert said.

While watching news reports of the raid and the custody battles, Mackert has looked closely for familiar faces. She has two sisters who live at the ranch, at least one former sister wife, a stepdaughter, a niece and possibly others.

"I sit there and I want to take it in and study every feature ... and just soak it all in. It's been so long since I've seen them. ... They're my people. I love them."

Amid many "amens" and rapt attention from the congregation, Mackert asked church members to pray for the FLDS children now in foster care facilities throughout Texas.

"These children have a lot to overcome," she said. "They need most of all to be placed in homes where they'll be taught the gospel of Jesus Christ and released from their religious bondage."

Pastor Clark also called for prayers for the FLDS children and their parents Sunday.

"The sad thing is, especially with these children ... the only hope they have is Jesus Christ. The only hope and peace these women will find is through Jesus Christ. And these men, no matter what you think of them, they need Jesus Christ," he said.

"Pray for Ms. Mary and the people she serves."

Based on the number of smiles, handshakes and hugs, whether to strangers or fellow church members, the small San Angelo congregation couldn't have been friendlier. And their questions and comments about their FLDS neighbors reflected concern based on their Christian beliefs as much as curiosity for the unusual FLDS lifestyle.

But the lines distinguishing the differences between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the FLDS sect, which broke away more than 100 years ago, definitely seemed to be blurred during question and answer segments.

When asked how so many become "converted to Mormonism," Mackert relayed a story of a woman becoming converted to "Fundamental Mormonism" and proceeded to praise aspects of FLDS members.

"Other than the polygamy thing, which we see as immoral, they're honest people, hard-working. There's a lot to admire about them. They're clean, have well-behaved children ... "

"I agree. I've been to Salt Lake," one congregation member interrupted.

Another asked about her "most difficult obstacle in sharing the faith with the Mormons."