Victor, our Bible worker, gathered a small group of young people to play basketball in Chicualacuala. Victor’s goal was simple: build friendships, spend time together and create opportunities to share the gospel. It was through sports that Victor met Beliscencio, a bright, cheerful young man full of dreams.

Between one game and another, Victor grew closer to Beliscencio and the other young men. They exchanged contact information and soon began to meet more often. Basketball became a strong bond of friendship, but little by little Victor desired to take a step further: He invited his new friend, Beliscencio, to study the Bible.

At first, Beliscencio was hesitant. He actively participated in his local church, serving in a youth leadership role. But the invitation to Bible study was not in vain. With patience and prayer, Victor began to open the Word of God with him.

Before starting the studies, Victor gave Beliscencio the book Hope Beyond Tomorrow by Mark Finley and offered his mother another copy, Hope for Today’s Families by Willie and Elaine Oliver. She received it with joy and even encouraged her son to read.

Even so, the beginning was not easy. Beliscencio seemed apprehensive about his father and mother. He seemed afraid of how they might react if they found out he was studying the Bible with someone from another church.

Victor prayed, “Lord, if it is Your will, open the way so that I can share Your Word with this young man. May his parents not be an obstacle to Your truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

God answered. Shortly after, Beliscencio spoke with his parents, asking permission to continue the studies, and they agreed. He then went to Victor’s house and said, “Mano Victor, you can come to my house at 8:00 a.m. My parents agreed that we can study together.”

Victor felt excited and thanked God.

The studies became consistent. Beliscencio’s interest grew. When they could not meet in the morning, he would go to Victor’s house in the evening. Over time, they began using the Discovery Bible Study method, which allowed the young man to read and find answers directly in Scripture. This method captivated him even more, because he could see for himself what the Word of God taught.
Their friendship also grew outside of Bible studies. Often, the two would pool some money and go to the stall run by Beliscencio’s brother, where his sister-in-law worked. They would buy soda and cookies and spend time together.

Over time, the sister-in-law noticed the positive impact of that friendship and said, “You are a good friend for Beliscencio!”

When Beliscencio’s 18th birthday arrived, the sister-in-law called Victor and suggested, “Mano Victor, what if we prepare a little surprise for Beliscencio?”

Victor agreed. She took care of the cake, and he contributed what he could.

On the scheduled day, they brought Beliscencio to the stall for his surprise. Touched, he said in front of everyone, “I thank God so much for giving me a friend like Mano Victor. He doesn’t lead me to drink alcohol or smoke, but instead leads me to know the Word of God. May this friendship last forever.”

The value of their friendship was clear, and we understood why the sister-in-law had said Victor was a true friend.

The Bible studies have brought valuable discoveries for Beliscencio. One of them was the Sabbath. As a youth leader in his church, he realized that the Bible’s teachings differed from his denomination’s practices. This revelation brought confusion to his heart, but also a sincere desire to obey God. He declared, “I want to do what is right according to the Word of the Lord.” Beliscencio decided to follow the biblical Sabbath.

And just as the apostle Andrew did not keep the good news to himself, but brought his brother to meet Jesus, so Beliscencio also shared what he was discovering and invited a friend to study the Bible with Victor. His decision shows that true discipleship naturally leads to bringing others closer to Christ.

Through a simple basketball group, God opened the way for additional Bible truths to reach Beliscencio’s heart. Although he faces challenges due to these new spiritual discoveries, Beliscencio continues to study the Bible enthusiastically and to visit Victor’s home with other young people for the Friday sunset worship service.

Please pray that the Holy Spirit may guide and strengthen this young believer in every decision. And please, continue interceding for Victor so that through his dedication and genuine friendship, the love of Christ may reach many more young people.

“He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus” (John 1:41 NKJV).

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