About Randall County, TX

I recently read one of the most inspirational and touching stories about a young Canyon, Texas man. Seventeen-year-old, Mark England is a 6' 1" 260 left guard for the Rebels. Mark fills the pulpit of his church each Sunday night with a guitar over his large chest and belts out "Precious Memories" in a deep strong voice. Then he asks the church members and visitors to bow in prayer.

Mark is a young, associate preacher at Bethel Baptist Church in Canyon. The Good Lord has answered many of Mark's prayers by giving him the chance to preach to his congregation for 36 minutes each Sunday night.

When Mark preaches, he doesn't shout and his hands are rarely still, but he does deliver a very strong message that comes across loud and clear. He also mixes humor with Scripture to keep all eyes and ears alert while he preaches. Mark said that sometimes it seems like a lot of baggage, but he takes it to the cross and knows everything will be okay. Mark has never been to seminary school but preaches because he loves it so much.

Mark England's other passion is football. He absolutely loves to play the game, the camaraderie and the friends he's made on the team. He has had two major knee surgeries that he has overcome. Injuries like his would have ended most players careers. Mark willed himself through tenacity and hard work to stay on the team and earn himself a starting point on the offensive line.

Most people that meet Mark think he is a full grown man in kid's body. He is very mature for his age and it shows every time he opens his mouth. Mark accepted Christ when he was just 11-years-old. He said it changed his life at that very moment. And at the age of 13, he was asked if he wanted to preach is first Sunday night sermon.

Mark knew he needed to be in front of people, so he said yes. His first sermon lasted just 4 1/2 minutes. He said he was so nervous as he preached on "Fleeing from God." Since then, Mark has preached so many sermons he can't count them. He also has his own website www.markenglandministries.com.. Mark believes the Lord is moving him to do this. He says the Holy Spirit takes over and it's awesome. He truly loves it.

Wow, so young to be so inspirational to so many. It's a very touching story of such a young man who knows what he wants, and isn't afraid to go after it.

On Thursday, October 9th, the Potter Coalition on Aging will be conducting a seminar at the Amarillo Senior Citizen Center at 11am. Ken Rusler and Doug Burton (with the Panhandle Community Services) and Rex Coleman (with the Amarillo Fire Department) will be speaking about ways in which to get your home ready for winter in Amarillo. Make sure to stop by Room 115 at 1217 South Tyler Street this Thursday for this great, free and informative seminar.

The Maverick Club, a 74 year old youth club for both boys and girls in Amarillo, Texas may close by the end of this year if they are unable to get more donations. Many people are facing hard times, or are just plain scared about the economy, so they have stopped giving.

The Maverick Club is one of the oldest boys and girls clubs in the state. It currently operates on a $600,000 yearly budget. The club provides after-school care, and offers technology, sports, and arts programs to over four-hundred children in four locations. Students also get help with homework. To many children, the club is a safe haven.

The board is trying to do everything in their power to seek alternatives that will keep the school open. But, the club has not met its monthly budget this year. The clubs funding comes from different places. One-third comes from United Way, while two-thirds comes from personal donations. The club charges $20 a years per child to parents who have the money. Most of the budget goes to paying employees. The state requires the club to keep a certain number of staff per so many kids. The club has now exhausted all of its savings and is now asking for personal donations.

Amarillo residents are known for their big hearts. So, if you live in Amarillo, please help keep this wonderful youth club open for the hundreds of children who need it so desperately. If, the club can keep its doors open through these tough times, it will be around for many years to come.

It is easy to update your home's look and create added value without breaking the bank:

1. A fresh coat of paint on the inside of your home will brighten any room. Use nice soothing neutral tones. Don't forget to paint the trim in a bright color (bright white is great) to make the wall colors "pop".

2. For approximately $250, you can get a home inspection that will include suggestions of things that need to be fixed. Getting these things fixed before you place your home on the market can save you money in the long run. Typically, buyers tend to negotiate $2 for every $1 in repairs needed.

3. Replace older appliances with newer, energy-efficient appliances. They not only work better, most Energy-Star appliances offer a rebate and you will save money in operating costs while you are waiting for your home to sell.

4. Update your kitchen and bathroom fixtures. This can mean everything from a new faucet to new drawer pulls and cabinet knobs. You can replace one faucet and 10 pulls and knobs for under $100. This gives the room a nice facelift and shows a pride in ownership.

By making these small, inexpensive changes, you will not only make a good impression to potential buyers, but you will also create added value when it is time to sell your home.