Waukesha Rotary Book Event
Readers of Faith in the Freshman will recognize the characters Billie and Lefty. I took Lefty along to a book event I had this week at the Waukesha Rotary. My dad (Lefty) enjoyed the book (for those of you who might have wondered). He also loved hearing me talk about it to the Rotarians. Read the rest of this entry »
Brand New! “Faith in the Freshman” Feature with News Journalist Mark Concannon
Recently news journalist Mark Concannon visited Concordia’s campus and interviewed Andrew and me for a feature that he was producing on the book. As you watch, please ignore my poor defensive skills. It wasn’t that long ago that I could take Andrew one-on-one, was it? Actually, it has been a few years, but those days are behind me. I was disappointed that they didn’t use any of the deep bombs that I hit on the video. Maybe there were none. I don’t remember.
In any case, enjoy the feature. Until somebody buys the movie rights to the book and puts “Faith in the Freshman” on film, or until the documentary is produced for an ESPN special, this will cover it pretty well!
Andrew Invited to Join “Athletes in Action” in China
Before he heads to Ithaca and Cornell later in August, Andrew has accepted the invitation to join an Athletes in Action team traveling to China. Read the rest of this entry »
Rolf’s Reflections
The President of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU) read Faith in the Freshman and offered this brief reflection:
My wife and I just read Faith in the Freshman, and we both loved it. Not only is the story compelling, but the sheer honesty makes it gripping. We thank God for the gifts given to you and to Andrew.
Rolf Wegenke, Ph.D., President
Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
St. John’s College — Freshman Year Revisited
Recently I had the opportunity to talk about Faith in the Freshman for the St. John’s College Alumni Reunion in Winfield, Kansas. Even though our alma mater closed in 1986, Johnnies continue to return to the campus each year for these alumni gatherings. Read the rest of this entry »
A Letter from an 18-Year-Old who Relates to “Faith in the Freshman”
I was grateful for the following letter from Eric, an 18-year-old who deals with Type 1 diabetes every day. Many of Concordia’s freshmen will read the book this fall. Few of them will relate to the story like Eric does!
Dear Dr. Ferry, I am currently reading your book Faith in the Freshmen. I’m an 18 year old kid who has diabetes, just like your son Andrew. In the small town of Sussex, WI, all I have thought about since i was young was the game of basketball. Basketball has rewarded me in so many ways, including keeping me fit, which helps keeping my blood sugars in tact. Your story is moving and motivational to me. Being a freshmen in high school I made the JV team. Then my sophomore year I was placed on varsity because, like your son, I can shoot the lights out. Due to some unfortunate circumstances I had to quit right before my junior year. Not playing for my last two years of high school really upset me and I still practice daily and have a passion for the game. I was wondering if you could give me some advice of how to get my name out to college coaches. I miss the competitive nature of the game, Division I, Division II, Division III, JUCO, it doesn’t matter…the love I have for the game is amazing, and playing college basketball, no matter what level, has been a dream of mine. If you don’t have the time to lend me some advice that is completely fine. Once again thank you for the amazing story that has truly changed my life. Also thank you for reading this e-mail. Sincerely, Eric Moderski
Around the Tower Book Review
Usually you can count on a favorable review when your own brother-in-law is the writer! Check out Tim Saleska’s review of Faith in the Freshman written in the recent Concordia Seminary student publication. Tim is professor of Old Testament at the seminary. See the review embedded below. ~Pat
About the Town
Over the last several weeks, Faith in the Freshman speaking engagements have kept me busy around town. I have met lots of nice people who are doing some great things in our community. Read the rest of this entry »
Cornell Hoops Blog. . .
Click here for the Cornell Hoops blog and Andrew’s place among transfers to the basketball program.
From the mailbag for this week —
I continue to receive letters from readers of the book, and I am grateful for the chance to share them here. From this week’s mailbag. . . . .
Dear Dr. Ferry,
I can’t tell you how much I was completely uplifted by your book. As a new Christian, every time I get such faith lessons, I just have to drop down to the floor and thank God for softening my heart. My brother-in-law, and a very, very important spiritual leader to me, Steven Smith, gave me the book as a present for Christmas. Read the rest of this entry »
An update from Andrew…Cornell!
I’ll let Andrew speak for himself this time. Here is what he has to say, “After much consideration, thought, and prayer, I have made my decision to attend Cornell University. I believe Cornell is the perfect place to pursue my basketball goals as well as receive a high quality education. I am looking forward to getting started and getting back into the NCAA Tournament next year! Thanks for all the support and prayers!”
So, it is official, Andrew has decided to attend Cornell University next year. The links below are from the website and blog that covers Cornell basketball (and they do so very thoroughly! You will be able to follow Cornell as they defend their Ivy League championship and make their way back to the NCAA tournament once again. Badgers fans beware!).
http://cornellbasketball.blogspot.com/2010/03/recruiting-news-ferry-to-cornell.html
http://cornellbasketball.blogspot.com/2010/04/news-and-notes-afternoon-edition_18.html#more
Port Washington High School Boys’ Basketball Banquet
Last night I had the opportunity to speak for the Port Washington High School basketball banquet. A great team with great coaches, kids, and parents. Here are a few photos of a Faith in the Freshman book signing that followed.
Book Signing at Barnes & Noble
Have you purchased your book through Barnes & Noble yet? If not, and you live in the Milwaukee area, stop by the Barnes & Noble store in the Bay Shore Town Center on Thursday, April 15 to pick one up. I will be there at 6:30 p.m. to personally sign your copy! Also, the Business Journal has this highlighted as well!
Contact Pat Ferry
A Look at a Letter
Once in a while I give my youngest son, Stephen, a hard time because he has not ready my book yet. How about you? Have you read Faith in the Freshman? I understand that it may not make it to the top of everybody’s must read or must do list right away. But, my own son? Here is part of a letter from someone who has made her way through the book not once, but twice….. Read the rest of this entry »