Who?! Me!?

My name is Kendall Onheiser. I was born and raised in Florida and have dedicated 15 years to serving the local Church here in Sebring. My primary focus has been cultivating meaningful worship experiences and nurturing the youth in our little community. These two ministries have been the driving force behind my calling. I have found that my personal experiences with ADHD, depression, and anxiety have equipped me to empathize with others who are facing similar challenges. We all get dragged down by one sin or another, one trial or another, and it’s our job as Christians to lift each other.

I grew up in Sebring, Florida, faced challenges with school, and eventually dropped out due to persistent distractions. However, I have realized that our efforts do not solely determine our success. It is the support of others and the guidance of God that truly shape our journey. I firmly believe that God's plan for our lives is not set in stone but unfolds as long as we carry God. The Holy Spirit guides us and influences our decisions as we walk our path. God seeks a personal relationship with us, and I have discovered that God desires us to be servants. While I have encountered failures in my attempts to serve God, I have also experienced His presence and support during those times, whether obtaining my GED, serving in the army, or pursuing ministry.

I served seven years in the army in Germany. This is where I did most of my growing up, good and bad. The reason I signed up for the military was simple: I was bored with life and was tired of being under the guidance of my parent, yes’ and no’s. I found out fast I had changed one tutelage for another. I was a mechanic and served faithfully; however, the choice to get out came fast and hard. I was a Christian at this point, but of course, as a young male with no parental control, I took advantage and Got humbled hard and fast. I thought I was living like a Christian, at least, I thought people believed I was a Christian until I had a conversation with a fellow mechanic, and he said, “I didn’t even know you were a Christian, after all this time, all the drinking, smoking and dumb decisions, you don’t even give off the Christian vibes. That put me in my place and opened my eyes; this wasn’t the kind of person I wanted to be. I looked around, realizing that some people can thrive in the military. I knew if I stayed, this would continue, and my life for a family and being around to watch it be a successful family was slim. When it was time to reenlist, I would choose not to.

After leaving the military, I was determined to pursue a career in the church or ministry. I started college education at the local community college and completed my degree at Warner University in Lake Wales. Graduating was a pleasant surprise, and it affirmed my belief that I can achieve anything with hard work. I've had the opportunity to serve as a worship and music leader in three different churches and as a music and bible teacher at a local private Christian school. I am passionate about what I do and believe God guides us on our paths. I am pursuing a seminary degree and hope to accomplish this goal soon. I find it funny that in the beginning, I would have thought I would never get here, but in the end, God and the holy spirit direct our hearts along the path. God is still working on me, but I would have never gotten where I am If I had not been faithfully distracted.