Putting our Hands to the Work of Ministry, Together.

A Lasting Impact

DKY has been a creative partner to Hands to the Plow, a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to helping church leaders know God’s Word and teach it faithfully. From concepting ideas to finished illustrations, designs, and production, the DKY team has had a hand in nearly every resource offered by Hands to the Plow.

THE BEGINNING OF A SHARED STORY

The relationship between DKY and Hands to the Plow really started when DKY began.

Tom Kelby, the “K” of DKY, never did join the agency as an owner but was still instrumental in the early years as the primary copywriter before founding the ministry that serves church leaders worldwide.

Mark Yaeger, DKY’s co-founder and longtime creative director, has guided the creative direction of Hands to the Plow from the very beginning.

The collaboration between DKY and Hands to the Plow was built on more than professional overlap. It has always been about a shared belief in the power of stories, visuals, and Scripture to transform lives.

Nathaniel’s Journey

This unique children’s parable is designed to teach children foundational truths about God in a way that they will understand. It tells the story of a young boy on an adventure to find the King and his Kingdom Beyond the Woods. Along the way he encounters many characters and challenges but remains faithful to his pursuit. 

DKY provided the design, illustration, and production support that brought this imaginative, gospel-centered story to life. You can read more about it here.

But DKY’s involvement in Nathaniel’s Journey goes far beyond the initial production. This story has been translated into many different languages. DKY has regularly provided files to printers in numerous countries and we still receive pictures of book distributions in the most remote regions of the earth.

Preacher’s Guides

These practical resources are designed to feel like a trusted pastor walking alongside someone as they study God’s Word. Each Preacher’s Guide explains what the text teaches verse by verse, while pointing to related passages that echo the same themes. For ministers preparing a sermon or teaching a Sunday School class, these guides provide practical, reliable help.

The idea for these Preacher’s Guides was birthed in a South Asian country. Tom Kelby was teaching a group of pastors and leaders who were struggling to use the large Bibles they had been given. Tom finally asked to see one of their Bibles. He noticed these Bibles had no study notes, and no cross-references pointing them to other Scriptures. To further complicate things, these pastors were frequently among the only ones in their congregation who could read!

During a break in the teaching, Tom contacted Mark Yaeger to talk over possible solutions. DKY was soon sending concepts back to Tom. This creative direction shaped a format that is clear, practical, and visually inviting for leaders around the world.

Developing Leaders

Like the Preacher’s Guides, the Developing Leaders Workshop curriculum was created in response to a very real need. How do you teach God’s word and key concepts in God’s word to people who cannot read?

The six-part Developing Leaders Workshop curriculum uses illustrations and simple graphics to explain key biblical truths. Covering Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, it is designed to be both clear and practical, making it accessible even for pastors and leaders without formal Bible school training. At the same time, the content is rich in biblical theology, offering depth and value for all who lead and teach.

DKY helped make this comprehensive resource approachable through thoughtful design and culturally appropriate illustrations that bring the lessons to life in a very engaging way. This curriculum has been used in many settings, from groups of seminary-trained pastors and leaders to pastors and leaders working in areas with low levels of literacy.