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Behind Fences: A Prison Chaplain's Story

Nelson and Esther Zeiset

  • 1500


God's call to prison ministry came to Nelson Zeiset at twelve years old. From that time, the Lancaster County Mennonite boy ordered his life accordingly, with a singular purpose to take the Gospel into a shadowy world among criminals. In Behind Fences, Nelson and his wife, Esther, alternately share their perspectives of Nelson's thirty-three years in a chaplaincy career that spanned two states and seven prisons. Learn of God's faithfulness through the 1980s AIDS hysteria, a prison riot that nearly upended the call, of lawsuits, and an inmate's calculated scheme to frame Nelson. Marvel as the prison church grows, racial walls crumble, and despairing men find hope and forgiveness through Jesus. Be inspired to pursue your own life calling and to view God's faithfulness on every step of the journey. (292pp. illus. Masthof Press, 2021.)

Customer Reviews

Based on 7 reviews
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Chad Baker

Powerful demonstration of Gods love and grace!!
I was one of the inmates who was blessed by Chaplin’s Zeisets demonstration of God’s love and grace. For the last 15 years, I’ve been a free man. Not just free from the prison system, but free from the bondage of addiction and criminal thinking. I was fortunate to spend at least an hour every week, during my stay at SCI Mahanoy, with Chaplain Zeiset in one on one prayer, bible reflection and counsel. God used him along with many other men along the way to change my heart and my life! If you’re reading this Chap, thank you for your obedience and consistent demonstration of God’s love and grace. May God continue to bless you and yours.

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Crystal

A Bird's Eye view into prison
This is an excellent book! It's a captivating story made even better because I know the authors. My emotions ranged from unbelief to horror to laughter woven through the pages. Thank you for sharing your story!

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BMW

Hidden But Not Forgotten
What an interesting account of a young boy's desire to follow God's calling. Many of today's young men would covet to have such clear direction. The author does an excellent job keeping the story line moving with authentic dialogue of speech and background. I felt like I was a fly on the wall of a prison cell, closet, or chapel. Thank you for peeling back the film of a window less seen by the outside world. May the love of God shine through to those who need Him most.(Hebrews 13:3)

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Dave Eby

Following God's Voice
I enjoyed reading this well written account of the life of a prison Chaplain and his family. I was encouraged by Nelson's example of following God's voice from the time he was young and throughout his ministry and career. His story gives testimony that God does have incredible lives for the faithful. This boo is definitely worth reading and reflecting upon.

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Mary Ann M.

Don't Miss This One!
Excellently written!
Riveting read...I could hardly lay it aside. Having grown up visiting the Lebanon County Prison for evening church services( when it was still allowed) and also spending part of one week at the Alabama We Care ministry, piqued my interest in this book. A "must read" to encourage you in God's call for your life, His awesome ability to open and close doors, and His equipping power to meet the demands and challenges! Thank you for taking us "behind the fences"! I was challenged to continue loving the unlovable who can be all around us.


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