Picture this: colorful floral dresses, white sand beach, warm salty air and sumptuous food… One would think he just landed in Hawaii and stepped into a luau.  But we didn’t have to travel 5,299 miles to experience this. Just a ride to the new Robinland Building in Mandaue reclamation area and a lift to its ninth floor took us to such a romantic placeon February 20, when the Couples Ministry celebrated the annual Love Month event in Hawaiian style, with the theme “Love that’s… from the heart.”

From God’s message, we learned two Greek words for love, which are “phileo” (brotherly love) and “agapao” (divine love).  Phileo love is a mutual love typified by these words: “I love you because you love me”. But agape love is the unconditional love which is God has for us. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).  Agape love is the love we should strive to have for one another, specially our spouses.  Pastor Nestor ended his message by requiring all couples to look into each other as they renewed their marriage vows.

After the main course, it is now time for desserts!  The "desserts" came in the form of a Hawaiian talent show with various presentations prepared by the Couples small groups.  The Talamban and Lahug wives swayed to the mellow tune of the Hawaiian Wedding Song; while the husbands serenaded everyone with a medley of love songs.  Song numbers were also presented by Bro. Fredo Godinez of the Lapu-lapu group and couples from the Talisay and Pardo groups.  Not to be outdone, couples from the Guadalupe group came in well-prepared with their lively rendition of Tahitian dances, complete with pompom-like props.

But all would agree that the highlight of the “desserts” was the romantic number Bro. Manny Gines offered to his wife, Sis. Denny.  As he was singing Old Photographs, the projector showed pictures from their childhood, teen years, courtship and family.  After that touching scene, a number of misty eyes had to be wiped off from tears.  Everyone was once again reminded how miraculous the marriage union is.  “And the two are united into one.  Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.” ( Mark 10:8-9 )

To cap the night, couples excitedly lined up to have their pictures taken with the Hawaiian beach backdrop, a masterpiece painted by Bro. Gary Carabio.  So that night, couples went home with fun and sweet memories of this special marriage celebration, and with expectant hearts, looking forward to the grandest marriage of all – where the church will be the bride and Christ himself as the Bridegroom!  May we faithfully uphold our earthly marriage vows till that day comes!

All glory to God, who makes all things beautiful in His time!