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Our
HISTORY
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In
the begining
In
1972, four "lonely" Chinese Christians at the University
of Oklahoma got together and they started the Norman Youth
Fellowship (NYF) on one Friday evening. Brother Chau Kok
Siong (currently Dean of Business School at Taiwan Christian
University) was elected to lead the group in fellowshipping,
bible studying and caring for one another. At that time,
we were able to use the facilities at First Presbyterian
Church at Norman as the result of the kindness and shared
the vision of brothers and sisters at the First Presbyterian
Church to reach out to the Chinese community in Norman.
God did work amazingly that brother Paul Chao became one
of the students whom were touched by the Christian love
in this fellowship that he gave his life to Jesus and received
Him as Savior and Lord.
The Brother's House
In the early 80's, we started to shop for churchs every Sunday. Though we frequented
First Baptist and Freewill Baptist (both English Speaking - of course), there
were needs unmet. Many families had to leave their children and spouses at home,
because they did not understand the sermon nor were able to communicate with
the Americans. Their spiritual needs were not met. The Friday NYF meeting was
not enough, nor could it substitute Sunday worship. Therefore, Brother Paul Chao
bought a house at 402 Farmers Street with the intention of starting a family
church. It was called "The Brother's house" because only Christian brothers were
allowed to live there. Until 1983, we had our first Chinese Sunday worship with
the help from seminary students and Dallas Chinese Bible Church. Simple lunch
were provided especially for students that lived in the dorms. Thus marked the
beginning of our fellowship lunch.
Establishment of Calvary Chinese Mission
In Fall 1984, God revealed the vision to His faithful servants, Rev. Paul Box
(Pastor at First Baptist - Moore), Rev. Boyd Rayburn (Church Planter - Union
Association) and our beloved Sister. Jaxie Short (Foreign Missionary to HongKong
) that they would to start a Chinese Mission. The Norman Youth Fellowship was
invited the share the vision - and we caught on fire! In January 20, 1985 - the
Calvary Chinese Mission was established with about 20 members. Jesus is the founder
and the solid foundation that we build His church here in southern Oklahoma.
Rev. Sam Luk was called to be our first pastor (1985-1991). Under both his leadership
and Rev Edward Chow's, we started our first "Discipleship Training" in 1987.
Until today over 80 brothers and sisters were discipled. Many are currently serving
as church leaders and Sunday school teachers in OKC, Dallas, Arlington, Houston,
Austin, Atlanta, Alabama, California, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia. By 1987,
we started our first mission work at Stillwater Chinese Baptist Mission. Bro.
Paul Chao was sent to assist them and later called to be their pastor. Sister
Annie Tan joined God's ministry as the interim pastor during 1991-1995. Under
her leadership, God added more families and students to His church. On September
3, 1995, God called Brother Tony Wong to shepherd His sheep. God sent His workers
into His harvest fields. To God be the Glory!
Let's join what God is doing
In response to the great Commission in Matt 28:18-20, we have been actively sharing
our faith and making disciples. Over the last 3 years we had over 100 converts
and trained over 80 disciples of Christ. Many that we brought to Christ during
their short term stay here in Norman are now professors, engineers, business
men and business woman all over the world. Each one has become a witness in their
own profession [Acts 1:8]. Now, they are missionary disguised as professionals.
For the past years we have witnessed the amazing grace of God. He is the true
and living Almighty God! Indeed, Jesus is our good shepherd. He always has been
and always will be. God is always at work. Let's join Him! |
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