EastARM Canadian Board of Advisors

Earl Brinkman earl@eastarm.net

Earl is a man with a firm legacy, 9 grandchildren and 3 adult children, followers of Jesus. His eldest son was called into ministry as a pastor, serving in Spokane, Washington, while his other two, a son in Chatham and daughter in Edmonton, both followed their father’s profession and became teachers. Earl, now retired, served as an elementary school teacher in Chatham, Ontario for 34 years. He was married to the lovely Ruth, 44 years until her passing in 2014. Earl has served his local church, Emmanuel Chatham, as a member of the Deacons Board, leader in Christian Service Brigade, choir member and more recently assisting with monthly neighbourhood breakfasts and dinners to the community. He enjoys curling, biking, traveling, coffee times and like a true Canuck, teaching his grandchildren how to skate.

Jonathan Hogenbirk jon@eastarm.net

Jon and his wife Nicole live in Oshawa, Ontario. However, Jon was born in British Columbia and as a wee fellow moved with his parents to Cote d’Ivoire in West Africa. He grew up a missionary kid in Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Hungary and Germany. He was saved at an early age. School for him was between International Christian Academy in Cote d’Ivoire and Black Forest Academy in Germany, African snakes and German sausages. As a young man Jon returned to Canada, pursued post-secondary study in Human Resources at Oshawa’s Durham College, and is currently employed by the Regional Municipality of Durham. God sent Nicole into Jon’s life, and they were married in 2016. He’s involved in his church, Calvary Oshawa, through various children’s programs and a men’s basketball outreach Monday nights.

Ed & Wendy Hodgins hodgins@eastarm.net

Ed and Wendy have been married 36 years. They have three young adult children, two are married and all have a heart to follow Jesus. Ed is a chartered accountant, working 5 years at Price Waterhouse and 32 years in educational administration, finishing as Chief Financial Officer for the Durham District School Board. Wendy graduated from what is now Spring Arbor University and stayed at home while the children were young and worked outside the home for 16 years as an educational assistant. Last year, after much prayer and seeking godly counsel, the Hodgins moved to the Cambridge, Ontario area.  Ed is on staff part-time time at Temple Baptist Church in an administrative capacity and taking courses at Heritage College and Seminary. Wendy is active in encouraging, counseling and discipling women.

Graydon & Sarah Baker bakers@eastarm.net

Graydon and Sarah, their kids, have spent the last years living between Canada and Tanzania, East Africa. They are owners of a safari camp – Baker & Sons Safari Co – deep in the Rufiji on land trodden by African Bush Elephant. East Africa River Mission was born out of the Bakers’ camp, and serves the neighbouring Rufiji villages bringing the light of Christ. Sarah is a nurse, graduated from Queens University. Graydon is a zoologist, from the University of Guelph. Graydon serves as Director of East Africa River Mission, recruiting warm bodies in Canadian churches and serving the current work in the Tanzanian bush.