ONE FAMILY, TWO AWARDS — TO GOD BE THE GLORY!



ONE FAMILY, TWO AWARDS — TO GOD BE THE GLORY.! By Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr., Publisher, Black Texans, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas


“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9



NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS – (October 15, 2025) - The Christian and Jones families have once again shown what it means to walk by faith, build by family, and serve by example. On this blessed occasion, the Texas Department of Agriculture, led by Commissioner Sid Miller, presented the Christian Family with not one, but two 2025 Family Land Heritage Awards—marking the first time in Texas history that one family has received two awards in the same year.


As Ms. Debra Christian and her brother, Mr. Randall D. Christian, Jr., proudly walked forward to receive the recognition for their family’s century-old land, witnesses could feel the weight of history and holiness in the moment. Ms. Christian, a direct descendant of Rev. Butcher Christian, Sr. of the Shiloh Community, seemed to pause in divine reflection—waiting not just for the award in her hand, but for the promise fulfilled through generations of faith, family, and fortitude.



Moments later, that promise became clear. The second award was presented for their mother’s Jones family lineage, making the Christian and Jones families the first in 51 years to receive two Family Land Heritage honors in a single ceremony. Both families have owned and faithfully cultivated their land in White Oak, Texas, for over 100 years, standing as a living testimony to perseverance and God’s faithfulness.


“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.”

– Psalm 24:1



To the Christian family, land is more than property—it is a sacred trust. Under the leadership of Ms. Debra Christian and Mr. Randall Christian, Jr., the family is donating over 64 acres to the State of Texas to establish a Texas State Veterans Cemetery in East Texas, ensuring that those who served this nation will have a place of honor and rest in their home region. No one has ever donated land for such a military honor in the history of Texas.


This extraordinary act of generosity is deeply rooted in a long legacy of military service. As the United States celebrates 250 years of the Armed Forces (1775–2025), the Christian family stands as a shining example of patriotism and purpose. More than 250 descendants of Rev. Butcher Christian have proudly served in the U.S. Military—from the Civil War to the War on Terror—fighting not just for freedom, but for faith, family, and the future.


“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”

– Matthew 5:9



Commissioner Sid Miller of Stephenville, Texas, reflected, “It was a great day.” Indeed, it was more than great—it was God-ordained. The Christian and Jones families represent what is best about Texas and America: hard work, heart work, and holy stewardship.


Since 1974, the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Family Land Heritage Program has recognized more than 5,000 family farms and ranches that have remained in continuous operation for over 100 years. The Christian family’s dual recognition this year reaffirms the importance of private land ownership and the preservation of generational heritage, especially within the African American community, where land ownership has often been both a struggle and a sacred triumph.



On Monday, November 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., the Christian family will host a luncheon and receive a charter for the Randall D. Christian, Sr. Buffalo Soldiers Chapter in East Texas at the Christian Resource Center, 134 N. Glenwood Blvd, Tyler, Texas 75702—continuing their faith-fueled commitment to God, country, and community.


For over 30 years, Ms. Debra Christian has dedicated her life to supporting homeless veterans and their families, creating one of the most effective and compassionate models in the nation for helping them heal, rebuild, and restore their lives.


“And they shall build houses and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them.”

– Isaiah 65:21



The story of the Christian family is not just a Texas story—it is a testament of God’s grace, a celebration of family unity, a commitment to faithful land stewardship, and a salute to those who serve.


Thank you, Commissioner Sid Miller, for your gracious heart and steadfast dedication to preserving Texas heritage. Truly, heart work pays off—and faith makes it fruitful.




Published by Black Texans, Inc.


Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr.

New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church – Fort Worth, Texas

Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas




About the Author


Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr. is a minister, educator, and civil rights advocate from Fort Worth, Texas. He serves as Pastor of New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church and President of the Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas. Through Black Texans, Inc., Pastor Tatum documents and uplifts the untold stories of faith, freedom, and family that define the African American experience in Texas. His ministry, history project and journalism are dedicated to preserving heritage, promoting justice, and proclaiming hope for the next generation.




The Christian Family Story is a Texas Love Story that has made American history. 

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