Faustino Cruz Ruivivar Jr.

He was a missionary, a Christian leader for many faith-based organizations, an editor of a Christian magazine, a Bible translator, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a pastor, a friend, and mentor to so many Christian leaders now, Faustino (Tino, Nonoy, Papa, Dad, Grandpa, Uncle, Boss) lived a full life dedicated to the service of his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Born on August 14, 1932 in Manila, Philippines to Faustino Sr. and Generosa, he grew up in a time of war. Although he started his education a bit late, he excelled in it. He loved reading and had a knack for languages.

After graduating from the FEBIAS College of Bible, he served as one of the very first missionaries of New Tribes Missions Philippines where he brought the gospel to the Mangyan tribe of Mindoro. Through mutual acquaintances, this is where he met Virginia Williams, a missionary from the US. They fell in love and got married, and Ressa Rose became the fruit of that union. Eventually, he also founded the Philippine base for Every Home for Christ International (EHCI), an organization based back then in California (now in Colorado Springs). EHCI’s mission is to inspire and empower the church to bring Christ to the ends of the world. He became their National Director for 27 years, and in 1987, the family migrated to the US where he served as EHCI’s East Asia Regional Director for 17 more years. In March 1999, FEBIAS College of Bible conferred to him his Doctor of Divinity, and in September 2000, EHCI granted him his Certificate of Ordination. He also served as president and chairman of the board for the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC). During his time at PCEC, he launched its monthly magazine, Evangelical Thrust (presently known as Evangelicals Today), and he served for 13 years as its editor. His Manila Tagalog New Testament translations, Ang Salita ng Buhay and Buhay na Salita, has been a best-seller in the Philippines for over 30 years. He was also a member of the revision team for the Magandang Balita Biblia from 1984 to 1987. He also became the editor-in-chief of Ang Imnaryong Cristiano, a popular Tagalog hymnbook. His last published book was called The Absurd Claims and Biggest Mistakes of the Iglesia ni Cristo in 2005.

In 1996, Virginia went home to be with the Lord and for four years, he served and ministered alone. During this time, his friends kept urging him to find a new partner in life to walk with him through the many more years of ministry. In late 1999, through common friends, he was introduced to Lynda Jacobe who was based in Oxnard, California. Even with distance between them, love sparked anew. They fell in love and in October 07, 2000, they tied the knot and Lynda moved to Colorado Springs (they would have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary this year). During this time, together with Pastors Bill Amores and Ed Nicandro, they planted the Filipino-American Community Church (now renamed as The Fount), and many of the fruit of this church plant are even among us today. He and Lynda went back to the Philippines several times to be trainers for the New Tribes School of Missions preparing future missionaries for their calling and work. For many more years after his retirement from EHCI, Faustino continued to work on more books to publish. Among his unpublished works are his commentary on the Book of Romans (a well-loved series included in the magazine he was editor of) and his Old Testament translation.

Those who knew him also knew that he loved music and singing. He would often ask people if they knew the songs he would like to sing – most of them don’t – but that did not stop him from singing and enjoying it anyway. When asked what song he would like to be played during his memorial service, he immediately said, “It has to be ‘I Won’t Have to Cross Jordan Alone.’” His faith, hope, life, and service was truly anchored in Jesus Christ alone who has been with him through all his years up until he finally crossed the “Jordan” with his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ last July 07, 2025. He would have turned 93 years old two days ago.

He is survived by his wife, Lynda, his daughter Ressa Rose (Charlie), his stepsons and stepdaughter (Rico, Robin, Kim and their families), his grandchildren (Christienne, Cathy, Reesie, Mina, and Charles), and his nieces and nephews here in the US and in the Philippines. His legacy lives on in the lives of his loved ones, his church families, those he mentored, and the countless others who have been touched and ministered to by his writings, service, and generosity.

A life well-lived, a man well-loved.

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