CRWRC Veteran Passes Away

CRWRC Newsroom | November 9, 2009

Early in the morning of Monday, November 9, Joetique Lamigo, CRWRC-Philippines Country Consultant, passed away.  Joe served with CRWRC for more than 25 years and celebrated his 60th birthday on October 31. He is survived by his wife, Arlyn; his five children and their spouses--Genesis Jeff and Anne, Giovanni and Charity, Romerson and Elemarie, Arnold and Malou, Precious Jewel and Jeffrey; and twelve grandchildren (a thirteenth grandchild is on the way)--Arla, Kolya, David, Jaco, Denzel, Miguel, Wakin, Mishka, Ella, Yanna, Wakin, and Megan.

Since 1984, Joe has been an inspirational part of CRWRC’s staff.  Hailing from the Philippines, Joe served with CRWRC in Indonesia, Nigeria, the Asia region, and the Philippines and contributed greatly to the growth of deacons and community development in all these areas.  More importantly, he served alongside these communities with a playful spirit, a joy-filled heart, and a deep love for his Father in heaven. 

“Joetique was a very gifted servant of God,” explained Joel Hogan, Director of International Ministries with Christian Reformed World Missions (CRWM). “He was passionate about justice and the plight of the poor, but he was also very much involved with and in love with the church, the body of Christ, and worked tirelessly to see the church take its proper role in reaching out to the poor and the oppressed.”

Eli Toribio, a CRWRC Consultant in Zambia who had previously served as the national diaconal ministry coordinator for the Christian Reformed Church of the Philippines for eight years, worked closely with Joe and saw him as a mentor and friend in his own career and spiritual development.

“Kuya Jotique always saw the glass half full not half empty and he would always bring this half full glass to a community that is thirsty,” said Toribio. “There were so many disappointing and discouraging things that happened in ministry during our years together yet kuya Jotique was always hopeful and will always say ‘Tsip… hang in there. Lilipas din yan (it will come to pass).’”  (Read more of Toribio’s reflectin).

This optimism helped Joe to advance the ministry of CRWRC and the Christian Reformed Church as a whole.  In his youth, he brought the InterVarsity community of Christian young people into a strong relationship with CRC Missionaries in the Philippines. 

“This has led to excellent leadership for the ministry of the Christian Reformed Church of the Philippines over the years” said Gary Bekker, Director of CRWM.

“Joe was a master networker,” added CRWRC-US Director, Andrew Ryskamp. “Through his work several organizations working in different sectors are now collaborating and many Classes in the CRC in the Philippines now have their own disaster response network.  Because of Joe there is now reconciliation between Muslims and Christians in communities in Mindanao and there is a strong anti-corruption movement in the Philippines."

Joe’s passion for seeing the church as an agent of transformation has been a constant inspiration for many at CRWRC and within the Christian Reformed Church of the Philippines. "He is probably networking in heaven for the sake of the Kingdom here,” Ryskamp said smiling.

Messages of support can be sent to Joe’s family care of his daughter, Lem Rosellon Lamigo or via CRWRC Philippines:

Suite A 17th Floor, Strata Bldg. Ortigas Center F
Ortigas Jr. Ave
Pasig City Philippines 1605

Memorial gifts towards CRWRC’s ministry in the Philippines can be given online and will be acknowledged to his family.   US | Canada  (select "Philippines" from the "Country" drop down list)