
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.

Rebecca Rivas
Rebecca believes in the journey of a scribe/author and enjoys celebrating the wins and finding solutions during the losses. With her discerning sense of finding that missing piece of the puzzle to bring out the exciting parts of missional stories.
Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Science from Waldorf University in Business Admin/HR Management -SHRM-CP, Financial Coach Cert, and an Associate in Missions from Heartland School of Ministry. For 18 years, her unique expertise has been business admin that supports a healthy culture for people. She started publishing her own writings around 2005 and is a creative author. Her avid love of reading and learning has helped her garner ideas and develop a sense of knowing a great story and find a way to support that dream.

Kylie Durham
Kylie has a passion for helping people feel seen, valued, and empowered to share the stories and messages they carry. With a pastoral heart and a natural love for mentoring, she enjoys walking alongside authors and creatives as they discover their voice, develop their ideas, and bring greater clarity and purpose to their work. As a developmental editor, Kylie has a gift for seeing both the heart of a story and the opportunities that can help it become stronger.
With a professional background in sales and marketing, Kylie brings an understanding of people, communication, and how to connect meaningful messages with the audiences who need them. Her experience complements her passion for mentorship and her desire to help others confidently step into greater visibility and impact. Kylie lives in Washington with her husband, Jeff, and their child, where she continues to invest in people and champion the stories, dreams, and callings that deserve to be seen.

Kerri Welden
Kerri has a heart for helping people experience healing, discover greater freedom, and move forward with clarity and purpose. Through compassionate mentorship and heart-centered coaching, she creates space for people to explore the deeper places of their stories, recognize what may be holding them back, and uncover the truth and identity that can help them step more fully into who they were created to be.
As the founder of Meridian Point, Kerri brings a deeply relational and discerning approach to personal growth and transformation. She is passionate about seeing people become whole, helping them recognize their value, and walking alongside them as they navigate meaningful change. Her ability to listen beneath the surface and help others connect the pieces of their journey makes her a trusted guide for those seeking healing, greater self-awareness, and lasting transformation.

Roger Southwick
Roger has a gift for seeing how all the pieces fit together. As a systems-minded problem solver, he develops tools, improves processes, and tackles the technical details that help creative ideas become functional realities. He enjoys digging into the “nerdy stuff,” finding practical solutions, and building systems that help authors and creatives work more effectively.
Roger is also an author of crime fiction with a keen eye for detail, layered storytelling, and creative problem-solving. His debut murder mystery, Evil Existence, grew from a lifelong fascination with police procedurals and family ties to law enforcement. Combining an analytical mind with a storyteller’s creativity, Roger helps turn big ideas into thoughtful, practical solutions.

Janine Carter
Janine has a heart for helping authors and creatives recognize the treasure within themselves and courageously share what they carry with the world. An author herself, she brings compassion and grace to those navigating seasons of discovery, transformation, and creative growth, helping them move beyond what holds them back and step more confidently into their calling.
Based in New Zealand, Janine has many years of experience working with young people, particularly in addiction, and completed three years at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry along with training in inner healing. Her faith and own journey of transformation fuel her passion for helping others embrace their God-given value, message, and potential.
Our Partners

Sally Webb
Sally is a passionate L.I.F.E. and Alignment Coach who loves walking alongside people on journeys of adventure, discovery, and transformation. Intentional and inspirational, she helps people recognize where they are, discover where they want to go, and find greater alignment as they move forward. Her approach is centered around living a full L.I.F.E. of Love, Freedom, Insight, and Engagement.
Drawing from more than 50 years of life experience, Sally brings wisdom shaped through both triumphs and challenges. She has weathered many storms, navigated significant mistakes, and intentionally turned each experience into an opportunity for growth and greater understanding. With an encouraging and energetic spirit, Sally is passionate about helping others embrace their story, discover what matters most, and move forward with greater clarity, purpose, and confidence.

Cara Grandle
Cara has a passion for helping authors strengthen their stories, discover their voice, and confidently share their message with the world. As an author, editor, coach, and publicist, she brings a unique ability to see both the heart of a story and the bigger picture of how it can connect with readers. Through developmental insight, encouragement, and practical guidance, Cara helps writers move forward with greater clarity while staying true to the story they were called to tell.
With experience in writing, publishing, publicity, and book marketing, Cara understands that creating a meaningful book is only part of the journey. She loves helping authors build authentic connections, expand their visibility, and navigate the often-overwhelming world of launching and promoting their work. A historical romance author herself, Cara brings warmth, creativity, and a relational approach to everything she does, championing writers as they develop their stories and courageously share them with the people who need them.

Marylin Furumasu
Marylin has a passion for helping authors bring their books to life and connect their stories with the readers who will love them. As a launch specialist, reader, editor, and promotional graphics creator, she combines a genuine love of books with a creative eye for the details that help them shine. From strengthening and polishing words to creating engaging graphics and videos, Marylin loves helping authors present their work in ways that capture the heart of their story and invite readers in.
What began as a love for reading and getting lost in great stories grew into a passion for supporting authors throughout the publishing and launching journey. Marylin began as a beta reader before expanding her skills into proofreading, copy editing, book launches, and promotional design. With both an eye for creativity and a reader’s perspective, she helps authors see their books through the eyes of their audience, build excitement around their release, and confidently share their stories with the world.

Elisheba Haxby
Elisheba 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
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.