What went on ; Aug.

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THE EXCHANGE
JOHN, JENNIFER, BLAKE, DALLAS, AND BRIDGER HOOGEVEEN
GOING INTO THE WORLD BRINGING JESUS TO THE LOST, HURTING, AND BROKEN

AUGUST 2017

WHAT WENT ON
AUGUST HAPPENINGS
This month started out with a bang with the L4J Youth Retreat. This retreat was organized by our friend, and brother in Christ, 18yr old Alessandro. The gifts this young man has been given are remarkable. Jennifer and I were blessed to be asked by Alessandro to be the retreat chaplains. This was truly an honor. Our entire family was able to join and participate in this event.

Blake and Dallas joined the worship team, leading those there in worship. This was a great opportunity for both of them to step out and minister.

Our main role was to be available for any spiritual needs or questions throughout the weekend. We were also able to be part of a boy/girl question and answer session. We separated into two groups, answering questions students submitted about different spiritual areas. We were able to minister to these kids in a wonderful way during this time. This also allowed for relationships to be built with the students there.

On Sunday John preached the final message on our relationship with Jesus and the perfection that comes through that. His message title was, Jesus + You; The Perfect Relationship. After his message three students came and committed their life to Jesus and two other students were baptized; one approached Jennifer about this and the other was a spontaneous baptism. God is on the move! None of this could happen without his Holy Spirit, may God get all the glory.

The Bible Movie Marathon started out great, the first night we had 14 people there. However, unfortunately, we were unable to continue as a family from the Dorado community was tragically killed in a car accident that week and the serves were help during our planned movie nights. A majority of the community went to the services and it was suggested by the community leader that out of respect for the family we reschedule the movie marathon.

John was able to spend five days in Michigan, ministering with MRO, Lori Jo from Barnabas Ministries, and Mike Gruppen from Stand Strong Ministries at the Pure Michigan 400 NASCAR race.
Their role was evangelism and prayer in the infield.
There were many great conversations about Jesus on Saturday night after much rejection on Friday night.
One of John’s most impactful testimonies is that of an infield bar operator. Mike went up to the bar to inform those there of the Church service being held on Sunday. The bar “owner” was one in which Mike talked to. The man’s response was heartbreaking yet encouraging at the same time. He said, “Wow, thanks for doing this. Most men like you avoid men like me.” This man saw a group of people who love Jesus, willing to go into the darkest places to share the love Jesus has for them.
The team currently sleeps and prepares for the night of ministry in the race track employee campground. They are hoping and praying to be able to get a campsite right in the infield for next year’s races. Please join us in praying for this. By having a permanent weekend presence in the same location being ministered to will open more opportunities to build relationships and gain more acceptance.

On the 17th and 18th we were blessed to be part of the Back Yard Bible Club at the Coast Guard housing base. Jennifer led the 4 year old group, there were 7 kid in this group. Dallas helped at the administration table, Blake helped with games, and Bridger was Jennifer’s assistant. John led the Bible story time on the 17ht, he told the gospel story using the three-circle gospel model; 7 kids from the older group (8yrs-12yrs) made a new commitment to follow Jesus, and many of the younger kids raised their hands wanting to learn more about Jesus! Because of a supporter who supplies us with a seemingly endless supply of Bibles, we were able to give each child who made a commitment a new Bible.
The 18th was the final day and was full of fun and games. These kids and their parents saw the and heard the love of Jesus through this Bible camp. We are so blessed and humbled that God would choose us for this work.