Page 19 - Amarillo Senior Link Magazine Spring 2021 - Online Magazine

coast. Once, while preaching in
California, he was approached
by the man who had been
printing Christian Appeal. The
owner gave him the magazine
in 1963, and Gene has been
publishing it for six decades. He
is able to share this magazine
around the world, thanks to
generous supporters.
After seven years, Gene and
Nita returned to Amarillo to
preach at Anna Street Church of
Christ, where he served for 51
years. During that time, he also
taught the academic Bible course
at Amarillo High School for 40
years.
Gene noticed that, week after
week, the Amarillo paper was successful in their fields of study, The grandkids think Nita and I
seeking (begging) preachers to and 20 wonderful grandchildren. are nuts. But they haven’t seen or
write. No one was stepping up. Both Gene and Nita have retired, experienced what we have. Living
He had met the publisher, Garret which gives them more time to through the Depression and a
von Netzer (a fellow-Rotarian), so spend with their family. They love world war opens a person’s eyes.
Gene offered to write. His articles to travel and have for years because They will learn just as we did, with
have now appeared regularly their children and grandchildren their own challenges.”
on the Faith Page of The Amarillo are spread out all over the world. Gene Shelburne has never met a
Globe News for over 30 years. They When their oldest son lived in stranger. He can draw people in
are also printed weekly in The Naples, Italy, they went to visit, and at their first meeting and make
Hansford County Reporter-Stateman Gene said, “We saw things that this them feel welcome and important.
(Spearman) and in The Borger News- ol’ West Texas boy never thought he The humble man has shared his
Herald. He has also written the would see.” love of the Lord, not only with the
cover introductions and proofed One organization that Gene will congregation at Anna Street Church
books written by Max Lucado, Billy never be sorry that he joined is of Christ and students at Amarillo
Graham and others.
Rotary. He has made so many High School, but with countless
Gene did not let his love for close friends through volunteering people throughout Amarillo and
engineering and building go to with Rotary. The friends he has places he has traveled. Expanding
waste. Over the years, he and Nita made have also been instrumental his friend circle is what has helped
have bought and flipped houses, in opening doors for him over the Gene find success in everything he
before flipping was cool. He did years. attempted.
most of the work on the houses When I asked Gene what he would His congregation misses his weekly
they flipped, and he says he really like to tell the younger generation, sermons, but he will never stop
enjoyed it.
his response was a bit sad. “You impacting lives with his love for
Gene and Nita have three children, know this younger generation life.
two boys and a girl, who are all isn’t listening to this crazy ol’ man.

Amarillo Senior Link 19