Enze (Andy) Zhang was born in Zhejiang Province, China, to a devout Adventist family. Both his parents and grandparents remained unwavering in their faith, even enduring imprisonment for their beliefs. Their courage and dedication instilled faithfulness and resilience in Zhang.
This foundation led to fulfilling experiences in education and ministry throughout his professional career from East Asia to the United States. He holds degrees in theology, music, education, and counseling. In addition to serving as pastor, he has served as a secondary teacher, associate academic dean of Taiwan Adventist College, office manager of the Center of Research on K-12 Adventist Education at La Sierra University, and director of the GraceLink curriculum translation project for Northern Asia-Pacific Division.
“We know it’s been a long journey— a zigzag journey you might say,” said John H. Cress, Southern California Conference president, “but God has been guiding you from China to the United States to this place on this day because He has a plan for your life.”
Zhang’s passion for music and teaching were also displayed at his ordination. He directed the Chino Valley Chinese church choir—where Zhang currently pastors—during a special music, and his two daughters, Joy and Jessica, performed in a string trio with another member during the service.
In his message, Cress emphasized the importance of preaching the Word. ”We don’t preach our opinions,” he said. “We don’t preach to elevate or enrich ourselves. We preach to honor God and to point to His kingdom.”
After being welcomed to ministry, Zhang thanked his parents for bringing him up in the truth, and his wife and daughters as they’ve been the strongest support of his ministry.
“Today I stand before you and God,” Zhang said. “In my heart I issue a prayer: God help me. I want to dedicate the rest of my life to the ministry of God.”