Arise and Build
Arise and Build
This year has been a year of trial and error, redirection, and holy recalibration.
But redirection does not mean derailment. Detours are not denial. And process is not punishment.
At Kekel Studios, we’ve learned that God often builds by rerouting, not removing the vision, but refining it.
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” — Proverbs 16:9
Provision in Motion
This year, we watched God provide in ways that only make sense when you look back. Travel to and from Brazil was covered. Travel to and from England was covered, where I had the opportunity to attend a conference focused on foster care systems and how to better support teens who have aged out of homes and institutions.
Every mile had meaning. Every ticket carried assignment. God was teaching us how to build while preparing us to build.
“The steps of a good person are ordered by the Lord.” — Psalm 37:23
Built in the Waiting
On a personal level, this year stretched me. I’ve been working solely as a freelancer while building Kekel, no safety net, no guarantees. And yet, provision never missed a moment. God supplied financially, creatively, spiritually.
Not excess. Enough. Not comfort. Growth.
“My God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19
What I’ve learned is this: capacity is built in obscurity. The private stretching prepares you for public stewardship.
The Vision Expanded
Even through the detours, the vision didn’t shrink, it expanded. What started as one idea has grown into something wider, deeper, and more sustainable than I imagined. God doesn’t just preserve vision, He multiplies it.
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…” — Ephesians 3:20
Arise and Build
As we step into a new year, I keep hearing one phrase echo in prayer, Arise and build.
“So we rebuilt the wall… for the people had a mind to work.” — Nehemiah 4:6
This next season will require financial fundraising, focused prayer, discipline, and determination. By this time next year, the vision is clear: stepping into the next phase—relocating and launching our first home/studio.
It’s not just a move. It’s a milestone.
What’s in the Works
Right now, we are actively:
Preparing our first clothing drop
Building a network of donors and partners
Developing branding and packaging
Writing future curriculum
Inviting people to walk with us through the process, not just applaud the outcome
This is a build-with-us season.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” — Psalm 127:1
Looking Ahead
I’m spending this first week of the new year in prayer over Kekel’s word for the year. Last year, the word was “Commissioned - called to create, commissioned to go.”
This next word will be the next building block in helping teens find stability, skill, and hope. I believe acceleration is coming. I believe provision is aligning. I believe 2026 will reveal outcomes we couldn’t have engineered ourselves.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” — Isaiah 43:18–19
We’re not rushing.
We’re rising.
Love Always,
Rachel Heisel
