Faith Was Their Language: An Unexpected Connection in Barcelona

There the note sat, with chocolate and lollipops beside it. Allan Houston immediately noticed the gifts on the bed when he walked into his Barcelona hotel room. 

The two-time NBA All-Star was confused at first on this early August morning. 

“Hello, sorry. I’m deaf,” the message read. “I’m Manilo.”

It was the housekeeper. He and Houston didn’t share experiences. But they shared a FISLL value: faith. Manilo wrote two Bible verses on the note. Confusion then morphed into encouragement for Houston.

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Manilo had two options when he knew Houston was in the hotel. Be intimidated and disobedient to his conviction. Or be bold and courageous. The bravery of a deaf man in Barcelona proved that limitations aren’t a hindrance to one’s legacy; rather, they are the very thing God wants to use to establish it. 

“That man demonstrated faith,” Houston said. “I was really touched because we had this connection, though we never met.”

Houston walked out of the hotel room and towards the elevator. The candy, still on the bed. The message, sealed in his heart. 

As Houston approaches the lift, he hears a noise and turns around. There Manilo was, waving. 

“From the way he was filled with joy, it’s like the spirit was just drawing us together,” Houston said. “I went and gave him a big hug.” 

Houston made his way back to the hotel room and grabbed a FISLL shirt and two orange wristbands to give Manilo. The two took a picture, shared another hug and tapped their hands on each other’s heart. 

Faith was their language. 

“This man may not have the physical hearing, but he has spiritual ears to hear,” Houston said. “When you have a move of God like that, it’s so rich. It’s something I look forward to figuring out how to continue to do.”