Oliver Enriquez was born and raised in Cancun, Mexico in a ministerial home. Although his father was not a pastor, he was an Adventist professor for almost 30 years. Growing up in this environment prepared Enriquez for his own journey in ministry.
“My father, a man dedicated to the Adventist ministry of education,” Enriquez reflected, “made it a priority to install God’s love in me since I was very little.”
When he began high school, he was already thinking about future career options. Spending a lot of time with pastors throughout his formative years impressed on him an interest in pastoral ministry. After graduating from the theological seminary at Linda Vista University in Chiapas, Mexico in 2011, he was invited to be the youth pastor at Paramount Spanish church, where he met his wife, Andrea. Soon after they were married, he was called to serve as youth pastor at Southgate Spanish church.
His calling was affirmed at his ordination service last fall. Friends, family, colleagues, and church members gathered at Van Nuys Spanish church Sabbath afternoon for the special occasion. Surrounded by so much love, support, and encouragement, Enriquez was especially glad that his father, who was recently diagnosed with cancer, regained his strength to make this trip.
“We’re here today because the church has recognized God’s call on the life of Oliver Enriquez,” John H. Cress, Southern California Conference president, said at the ordination. “God-called pastors are an essential ingredient for the church of Jesus Christ. Scriptures tell us that God gave pastors to prepare a people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up. Today, we lay hands on Oliver Enriquez. We recognize that call that God has given him.”
“My hope is that God will continue to use me as His instrument to serve Him and His church alongside my family,” Enriquez said. “This commitment is now until Christ comes.”
