Our Stories
1986
Before 1986
The Beginning of the Vision of Stillwater Chinese Baptist Church
Before 1986, we were a Chinese Bible study group at OSU
1986/10/12
From that point on, we began holding gatherings at University Heights Baptist Church (UHBC) for the next 18 years.
Stillwater Chinese Baptist Mission was established at University Heights Baptist Church (UHBC), and we had stayed there for 18 years
1989-1995
Since 1989
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
From 1989-1999, Rev. Paul Chao was our first pastor at SCBC
1993
Pastor Zhao Receives the Evangelism Award
Rev. Paul Chao received an Evangelism Pacesetter Award for being the first in ratio baptisms in Oklahoma in 1993
1995
Rev. Paul Chao was recognized with another award for being the 7th in the number of baptisms in OK in 1995
2003
2003/9/28
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19
On Sept. 28, 2003, Stillwater Chinese Baptist Church (SCBC) was constituted
2003/9/28
Pastor Ted Lam Presided Over the Church Inauguration Ceremony
Church Inauguration Ceremony
Pastor Ted Lam led a Constitutional Ceremony on Sept. 28, 2003
2004
2004/8
“Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.” Exodus 25:8
We held temporary gatherings at Countryside Baptist Church for 11 consecutive years.
In 2004 summer, SCBC moved to a second home, Countryside Baptist Church (CBC)
Since Summer
CBC Became a Transitional Stage for SCBC
2005 2006
2005/10
Pastor Zhou Served as Acting Pastor of SCBC (October 2005 – April 2006)
Pastor Stephen Chow was the interim pastor between Oct. 2005 – April 2006
United in One Heart and Mind
2006
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” 2 Timothy 2:2
The State Convention Presented Ministry Certificates to Five Brothers
2008 2009
2008/7
“This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:1-2
SCBC Ordained Brother Rong and Brother Zha as Deacons
On July 19, 2008, Bro. Ta-wei Rong and Bro. Puck Ja was ordained as Deacons at SCBC
2009/9
“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” Ephesians 4:7
Spiritual Gifts
From 2009 to 2012, SCBC appointed Sister Xinyan (Helen) He as a full-time music minister as the first church staff member
2011
2011/9
“It is a land the Lord your God cares for; the eyes of the Lord your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end.” Deuteronomy 11:12
“The Promised Land”: Preparing a Sanctuary for the Lord
In summer 2011, Pastor Lam led the congregation to visit a 5-acre land for future church building.
2011/9/17
Brother Fan Signed the Land Purchase Agreement
On Sept. 17, 2011, SCBC signed a purchasing agreement for the current 5-acre land
2011/10/3
Discussion of the Church Building Plan
The building plan meeting continued…
2014
2014/9
“However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says: ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be?'” Acts 7:48-49
Though we had no permanent place of worship, the Lord’s presence never departed.
In Sept. 2014, SCBC temporally moved to Stillwater Community Center and stayed there for 2 months
2014/11
In Nov. 2014, SCBC moved to the former Highland Park Elementary School and stayed there for nearly 5 years
2016 2017
2016/2
When we do what pleases the Lord, He will surely provide.
2017/7/2
Held a special prayer meeting in unity on the land God has given us
2017 Summer
“I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, ‘Let us start rebuilding.’ So they began this good work. ” Nehemiah 2:18
The Church Building Committee Was Officially Established
2017/9
The First Issue of the “Do Wonders” Publication Was Officially Released
In Sept. 2017, the first issue of the “Do Wonders” Newsletter was published and distributed
2017/11
“The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly.” 1 Chronicles 29:9
2017/10/29 (Sunday)
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. Read full chapter” Psalm 127:1
SCBC’s New Church Building Construction Officially Began
On Oct. 29, 2017, SCBC held a building groundbreaking ceremony
The congregation prayed in unity for the groundbreaking of the new church building
SCBC Building Groundbreaking Ceremony: Group Prayer
2017/11
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19
2019
2019/7
“the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” Psalm 118:23
Praise the Lord! After two years, the new church building was successfully completed!
The building project was completed in July 2019 after nearly 2 years
2019/8/4 (Sunday)
“Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory dwells.” Psalm 26:8
First Sunday Worship Service in the New Church Building
2026
2026/2/15
“Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.” Jeremiah 3:15
Servant Leadership
Since the church building was completed, the congregation went more than a decade without a pastor. Now, by the Lord’s mercy and grace, He has once again sent His faithful servant — Ta-Wei Rong — to be ordained as the pastor of this church, leading the believers to renew their spiritual lives in unity and to expand the work of God’s kingdom.
Today
Journey of Faith · A Path of Grace
Since the 1980s, Stillwater Chinese Baptist Church has walked a journey of faith for nearly four decades. The church has gathered in various temporary locations for worship and fellowship, each reflecting God’s faithful provision and guidance.
From a small Bible study group, the church has grown into a mature community under the leadership of faithful pastors. Every step of growth is a testimony to God’s grace and faithfulness.
With thankful hearts, we look back on His goodness and look forward to continuing in unity, serving Him and witnessing His work.
Praise the Lord for His presence
Since the construction of the church building, we have upheld God’s Word as the foundation for leading the church. With families as the core units, we worship together, learn together, and stay connected in fellowship, striving to maintain the unity of the church. We thank the Lord for His constant presence and support along the way, and we pray that He will continue to guide our steps as we walk the heavenly path together.