Above The Sun exists as a creative arts organization to raise up a company of wholehearted creatives to release heaven. It was born in 1995 when we pondered the verse in Ecclesiastes where the prophet laments nothing is new under the sun and everything is meaningless. As creative people, we asked God, “if we are unable to create anything new, then why even be artists?” His response came from Colossians.
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:1-2)
We do believe everything under the sun is, in fact, meaningless without God, however we hold onto the truth that “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17a NIV) and work hard to influence this world through our creativity. God promised us if we look to Him as our sole inspiring force, we can in fact release new things from above the sun. We desire to create heaven-inspired media, and other artistic pieces with the direct purpose to glorify God and release heaven to earth.
Above The Sun is composed of creatives all brought together with one common mission— to show the world an authentic expression of Jesus through our writing. As an organization, we have helped dozens of authors and creatives tap into their authentic story and release it through their writing.
Our Process
Unlike traditional publishers who just judge authors’ writing at the end of their writing journey, we partner with authors at the beginning. We believe that God is always talking, and is constantly giving ideas from heaven so we first help authors discover what God is saying to them specifically. Then our coaches and mentors help develop their unique message into a book. From there we work inside our community to reform and refine their message to be ready before it is released into the world.
Our Team
Jesse Rivas
Jesse is called to father a generation of creative reformers who transform culture through their wholehearted passion. Through coaching, mentoring, and teaching, he empowers people to agree with their own epic identity so that together they can co-labor with God to bring His plans and purposes for this world.
Jesse has a Bachelor of Science in Education, is a graduate of three years of Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, and is on staff at Oregon Christian Writers. He is a certified life coach who has partnered with dozens of authors and business owners to understand their divine identity and release their authentic creativity into the world. Over the years Jesse has traveled to various places around the world, but when not traveling, he finds his home base in the Pacific Northwest and sometimes Northern California.
Elisheba Haxby
Elisheba Haxby is a pioneer to the Arts and Entertainment mountain and believes media is one of the greatest tools to reach this generation with the Gospel. Through her writing and coaching she is committed to raising up a company of writers to release heaven through creativity.
Elisheba is a graduate of the Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, and is passionate about worship, prayer and writing. She’s a co-author of the Ninety-Nine Series that connects God’s passionate pursuit with raw human emotions. As a hopeful romantic, she loves to weave stories to heal the broken heart. In each of her stories, she invites her readers on the same journey she’s been on for years—the journey to become whole. Currently, she lives in Dickinson, North Dakota with her husband, son and beloved dogs, Luna and Zoey. On her down time you’ll find her visiting the Oregon Coast with her family, riding ATVs, or roasting s’mores at their family cabin.
Deb Wade
As a published author herself, Debbie combines her years of experience facilitating inner healing sessions and coaching with the understanding of common heart blockages that can hinder creatives from experiencing the full release of their potential. She offers breakthrough sessions for those who are ready to discover what’s hidden below the surface and remove the barriers.
Debbie has a BA in Psychology at Pepperdine University, and is a Certified Life Coach from Bethel Coaching. She has been trained through the Transformational Prayer Ministry, and is presently going through the program to become a certified HeartSync minister. She has over 40 years ministry experience – mentoring, teaching, leading worship, facilitating small groups, and one-on-one heart transformational prayer. She traveled extensively as a missionary and helped lead the team that pioneered the Youth With a Mission training base at Discovery Bay, WA. Debbie’s greatest joy is being a mother and grandmother! She lives in the rural valley of Plain, Washington, 15 miles north of Leavenworth. She craves quiet reflection and the pristine mountainous beauty that surrounds her home feeds and inspires her soul! She enjoys creating beauty through interior design, landscaping, gardening and crafts. As a visionary, she loves pioneering difficult projects with quality friends.