by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz
Every year, LBC’s Singles Ministry has a special event marked for our Singles group, though specific to each gender. Going back to 2004, this tradition has been one that is of special delight to both the guys and gals of our church. MAN stands for “Men’s Appreciation Night,” which was the first event that began at Lighthouse, followed up the following year with LAN or “Ladies’ Appreciation Night.” Since being part of this church since late 2006, I’ve enjoyed many fruitful times of fellowship with the ladies of our church and seeing their hearts to serve the men. We also have had opportunities to serve the ladies specifically during LAN. This year finds us being blessed by the ladies once again by their hard work and dedication to show forth Christian love to the men in Singles.
Last night, we experienced again the joy it is to know and serve alongside ladies after God’s own heart, showing and exemplifying in their growing character the character of Christ in His love for His people. This year’s theme had a camp feel to it, called “Fishers of Men,” with decorations ranging from ‘logs’ on each table, to a large fish and a real fishing pole for pictures, to real tents across the sanctuary. The night began with food, which the ladies know is one of the best ways to a man’s heart (or so I’ve heard). Interspersed with the ladies, we got to catch up with them and enjoy each other in fellowship and friendship. Following that came an encouragement video, emphasizing the joy of being served by our ‘muscles’ and chivalry towards them, as well as the hilarious emceeing of Vicky Williams and Ally Liu throughout the entire night. There was music sung by our talented sisters, including a rendition of ‘Isn’t He Lovely’ redone with Christian content as well as a beautiful combination of some of our favorite songs.
The night easily demonstrated the love our sisters have for the men, and at least for me, was a great reminder for the guys to never tire of serving our sisters not just for their sake, but out of grateful and thankful hearts for what God did in sending Jesus Christ to serve by dying for our sakes. MAN again gives sisters an opportunity to show their appreciation to the God who saves and changes His boys to be men and grow to serve one another in all humility to show forth the humility that Christ demonstrated perfectly 2000 years ago.
It’s nights like these that always puts things in perspective: our call to be men of character, as well as the example that Christ has always been for us to follow. Self-denial for the sake of others is always our duty that must be done in joy for the one who has done more than we could ever ask or think. MAN, as well as LAN, has always been a tradition done not just for the sake of tradition, but a helpful and loving reminder to “outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10). This night perfectly captured what Paul encouraged the Christians in Rome to do: “[W]elcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Romans 15:7). I pray we never tire of serving one another for the glory of God, and continually thank Him for the honor of serving with sisters that desire to please God with their lives of integrity and faithfulness to serve at the feet of Jesus.