Jennifer Tompkins
Serving where God leads is Jennifer’s biggest joy. Her husband, Emil, and 4 great kids are her first and best calling. God has also called Jennifer to several practical needs-based ministries, working with refugees in Tucson with Tucson Refugee Ministry and International Kids Kamp, and volunteering with Casas Church’s Global Outreach to bring the joy of Christ to the other side of the world. Evangelism and teaching the Bible in several different venues are gifts God has given her. Jennifer is a graduate of Iowa State University with a BA and will soon complete her Master of Divinity from Gateway Seminary.
Denton Caswell
Denton obtained her BA from Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Intercultural Studies in Texas. While in college she worked with international students and victims of trauma, as well as dedicating three years to her loving Texas Church. Denton loves international people and has worked with diverse people groups in the states and in the Middle East. Denton values connecting with people, advocating for others, serving those around her, as well as making a positive impact on her community and beyond. Denton has served as Office Manager for TRM since the start of 2019.
Jesus Sandoval
Jesus was born and raised in Tucson, AZ. He graduated from Amphitheater High School where he enjoyed being a part of student leadership. While serving as president of 2 clubs, he was introduced to the refugee community and was eager to help raise awareness for their well-being. Jesus has two certificates in Ministry Leadership through Ministry Resources Institute. He has worked alongside several local churches, agencies, and nonprofits to raise awareness for refugees. He has also partnered and volunteered with Tucson Refugee Ministry since 2011.
Marjie Brecht
Marjie attended college in Kutztown, PA where there was a large international student community. She obtained her BA in Special Education. Marjie, her husband and their four children moved to Arizona in 2001. The kids are now grown and she loves spending time with them as well as her two grandchildren. Marjie and her husband have been on several short term trips with their church. They attended info sessions where Cherie Gray would present valuable info about international cultures as well as local opportunities to connect with refugees. Marjie felt so encouraged by hearing Cherie speak that she wanted to know more and she volunteered at Kids Kamp several times. She has volunteered with the Teen Girl’s group and attended a Cultivate class. Marjie has also volunteered as a Key Volunteer over Baby Partnerships for all of 2020. She values the calling within the hearts of God’s people to get involved. And she loves mentoring the church as they build relationships with refugees.
Affiliates
Holly Seidel
Holly is a native Floridian who received her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and her master’s degree from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver. She first came into contact with refugees while working in Uganda, then as a graduate student teaching English and job skills to refugees in Denver. She moved to Tucson in 2012 to work as a caseworker for a local refugee resettlement agency. She was on staff at TRM for three years and now works as a presenter and trainer. She and her family enjoy exploring the scenic Arizona landscape in their free time.
Gary Stokes
Gary’s passion is for serving ministries that are centered on Jesus Christ and that reach out to every tongue and tribe and nation. He has degrees from Indiana University in Religious Studies and History, as well as an MBA in International Finance. Gary, his wife Susan, and their daughter Anna, arrived in Tucson in 2001 to restart Vineyard City Church. The church became the most diverse church in town, with folks from all economic and educational backgrounds and many ethnicities and racial groups. During that time, Gary and Susan became leaders for the Vineyard church in Sri Lanka and currently work with six congregations there. Four years ago they helped start Goshen International Church, a diverse congregation aimed to be a community for young African refugees. Gary is now an advisor and mentor for the Tucson Refugee Ministry staff.