Finding True Purpose Among Neon Lights and Broken Lives

by MARLENE ESTILLORE

We often think that our careers, and callings run on completely separate paths―one for making a living and another for serving a higher a purpose. But what happens if a simple whisper from the Holy Spirit suddenly connects the dots? For Marlene Estillore, a routine gathering in Thailand turned into a profound spiritual awakening, revealing a mission right inside her own business.

 

The Reality of Deep Darkness Amidst the Stark Brightness of Neon Lights in Pattaya

My mission journey is not entirely new. Back in 2010 in the Philippines, I was already familiar with mission work, reaching out to people and meeting their needs. But attending International Teams Philippines’ Access 2 Training in Thailand was an entirely different experience that changed me forever.

The turning point came while we were walking the vibrant streets of Pattaya, aptly called “Walking Street”―the leading night life center where bright neon lights and busy clubs contrasted the darkness of prostitution. A felt an inexplicable sadness in my heart. I looked at the people passing by and realized they were lost, seeking temporary pleasures to fill the nagging emptiness in their lives.

In that quiet reflection, I heard a distinct whisper in my ear: “This is your mission―to bring these souls back to Me.”

The Divine Connection in Kuala Lumpur

That whisper did not just stay in Thailand. It lingered and followed me home. It suddenly made sense of my everyday life. Back in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I ran an AirBnB homestay where a significant number of guests happen to be women in the sex trade.

For the longest time, they were just guests checking in and out. But through that revelation from the Holy Spirit, I finally understood why they crossed my path. They weren’t just customers. They were souls who needed to be guided back to God.

That realization set a fire in my heart for a global mission to spread the Gospel. Though I felt ill-equipped and did not know a lot of Bible verses, this triggered my hunger to study more, read more, and know Jesus more deeply.

Sacrifice and True Joy

Mission work is never easy. Within 10 days, our group experienced sleepless nights, exhaustion, a mix of laughter and tears, and even minor understandings; yet, our time together was truly one of a kind. We all felt the joy of working for the Lord, no matter how difficult the journey was.

Access 2 also brought me closer to my House of Change (HOC) family. While we had already known one another before this training, we felt safe and more comfortable in showing who we were without disguises or pretensions. I truly appreciate the authenticity, resilience, and goodness we expressed toward one another. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the International Team, Bishop JM Cayetano and Pastora Joyce for their sacrifices, Pastor Mike of IConnect Ministry for introducing us to IT, and our dear Mamay Queen Pastora Shanney for taking such good care of us.

Call to Action: Every Soul Matters, Whether in Distant Lands or Right Where You Are

God’s mandate for believers calls us to distant lands; but sometimes, He also places our mission right where we live and work. My own journey from the streets of Pattaya to my own doorstep and workplace in Kuala Lumpur teaches us anything, it’s that purpose is often waiting for us in the ordinary spaces of our lives.

Are you listening to the quiet whisper of the Holy Spirit guiding your own path? Heed His voice and do not delay in obeying His call. Reach out, share a word of hope, and join us in casting Jesus’ light wherever He leads you. Every lost soul matters. Start your journey with a single step now. Contact an IT staff for information on upcoming training sessions.