NYC October

Hey everybody,

I received my first job up here in Queens, God is good! After visiting Clyde so many times at Panera Bread in Denton, I decided to look for a job with the local Panera and got a job within 3 days. I work part time so have a chance to still reach Tompkins Sq in Manhattan. The Bible study there with the workers has been fantastic. We are getting a regular group on 6 showing up each time and each question they ask opens a door to teach Christ's person and work. One of the workers, Debbie, who is not in the group has asked questions about Christianity and quite frankly was the best conversation I have ever had with an unbeliever. In the time I had with her I was able to give my testimony, explain the punishment Christ received for our sins and why the Father turned His back on the Son. All these questions came up because I gave her a copy of The Passion, and that movie has been the catalyst for all my work in Tompkins Sq. Visually the movie explains the Gospel perfectly and those who have watched it in the Bible study I can explain why the severity of the floggings, why the 3 hours of darkness, and the Devil's power broken in the end. I do need prayer to reach the Panera workers, I know of a mom whose son was killed in the Subway that works there. Pray that I can also start a Bible study with these wonderful people.

Dave Ferree

Ferree NYC September

Hey all,

When I reflect on the past 4 months here and all that Frances and I have gone through, God's design and plan really becomes clearer and Satan's darts have a much greater sting to them. Through it all, it really is the right place to be! We had five in our first Bible study at Tompkins Sq Park; once Jesus was mentioned I asked all if they were going to heaven and why God should let them in. The atmosphere was exciting and interest in the Gospel was there. I did my first open air preaching on the coming judgement in the no. 7 train tunnel in Manhattan. It was easier than I expected and because of my Texan accent, people actually turned and listened. Everywhere I go,the subways, buses, the streets of Manhattan, God has opened doors for me to talk to New Yorkers about the things of the Lord. It has been a pleasant surprise that they take seriously the things I tell them. I start this week in looking for part time work, it is expensive up here and our finances are hurting. Frances, the kids and I are all still homesick for Denton, keep us in your prayers. My message is tough, people don't feel the warm fuzzy's when I leave them, but we know God is good!!

Happening's in New York City

Hey all,


We have a praise here in that Frances got a job with a company that makes custom blinds. Also, I have an area in Manhattan that I am reaching out to; it is Tompkins Square Park (lower east end). It is near Graffiti Church, so many of the people in the park know about this church. I was able to make a connection by volunteering as a gardener so am able to reach both the workers and the homeless in Tompkins Park. The homeless here are different in that they are young and rebelling from their parents. They are called Scruges and the area is Crusty Row, I received all this info from a social worker stationed in the park. They are like modern day Hippies in that their parents have money, and drugs and alcohol rule their lives. I raked a section of the lawn and have found so far 10 dirty needles, I have to be careful because many in the park have Aids. Except for the mentally ill, they all have been kind and considerate. CJ and a homosexual named Dee were concerned for me and gave me advice on taking on this great city. I hope to help a couple with getting work and housing; she caught my attention because she was describing how she got bashed in the face the night before while asleep in the East End. I have been amazed at the love and compassion I have for this community in just a short time; pray for me in that I can have an impact and can start a bible study with the Parks and Rec workers. I will have much more to report in future blogs; I ask that you don't forget me in this wonderful yet dark city.

Dave

Broken in NYC

Hey all,

For years I always thought what I would write if I was on the Mission field, I am now in the field and can explain what we are experiencing. I could paint a rosy picture of great spiritual highs and success and get much more interest. And if I was receiving $ from Christians to support our family, could receive a bounty crop.

New Ferree NYC blog (July)

Hey all,

We had a fabulous time with the Texas crew that came up to Manhattan!! It was such an encouragement because we still feel we are in the wilderness up here. We reached a rough crowd in Tompkins Sq Park (East Village), helped 2 single moms in Harlem and The Bronx, and attended Times Square Church on Sunday morning. Thank you all who came up and Sonny and Peggy are talking of coming up soon if anyone wants to put together a group. Rob really did a great job of putting this all together and Mike, him and the Tracy's were even figuring out the Subway system before they left. I have now talked with almost 30 people about the coming judgement to Manhattan and the amazing part is that all but a few enjoy the time we have together and want to talk further. It is almost impossible to win the trust of a hardened New Yorker so quickly because the only people that want to talk want some money out of you. God really has to go before me and soften hearts to receive this message. New Yorkers are really amazing people and get a bad rap for being harsh; they have to put up with so much!! Our family still needs prayer, Frances is still trying to figure her role in all this, the kids like it here so far.

Arrival at NYC

Hey Team,

We did arrive safely to NYC 11 days ago and Meagan Butler has already been here to Far Rockaway to help with unpacking. I don't want to paint a rosy picture with this move; it has been a challenge and difficult. Compared to the rest of the U.S. NYC is like a 3rd world country with a thousand rules to figure out; I got a ticket on the 2nd day for not doing something right with a school bus. But the real amazing thing is that daily God has shown himself with this direct plan he has for us! The first time we stepped foot in Times Square Church I met Ramesh and asked to volunteer with clean up; what a great situation to meet all the staff and people of TSC. The 3rd day of volunteering I had money ($10) given for lunch and I gave it to a worker collecting garbage in Times Square. I told him the story of how Manhattan will be hit with a thousand fires and that all will change on this this great island. His reaction was like the rest; I have heard it all before. But all will not be as before; much suffering will come to Manhattan. Pastor Colon of TSC spoke yesterday of the same things I see and really encouraged us in the area of carrying out this work he has for us; the time draws near.

Leaving for New York City

Hey everyone,

The last step in our moving was putting on a new roof for the Peach St. house; that is completed!! We are now packing and getting rid of the stuff we don't need. We will load the U-Haul on Sunday, May 23rd and leave mid morning on May 24th. Frances is feeling well from her stomach surgery and will have the stitches out next week. The trip will take 3 days with us arriving on the 27th to unload in Rockaway Island. The address is 96 16 Shore Front Parkway No. 1 Queens, NY 11693.

Our going away party is this Saturday evening 6:30pm (DBC) Sumrall Center. What a blessing to have a group coming up at the end of June, thanks Rob!!

Dave Ferree