"Behind Fences: A Prison Chaplain's Story," a 284-page book with its roots in Lancaster County, was released in early June by author Esther Zeiset, who resides near Newmanstown. The book is about Esther's husband, Nelson, and his 33-year career in prison chaplaincy.
The Zeisets will hold a book signing event on Friday, July 23, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Tin Roof Cafe n' Sweets, 108 N. Reading Road, Ephrata.
Nelson sensed a call to prison ministry as a 12-year-old Mennonite boy. From that day in 1973, he ordered his life to fulfill the purpose of taking the Gospel message of hope and redemption to prisons. Readers of Esther's book will learn of God's faithfulness through the 1980s AIDS epidemic, the Camp Hill prison riot, lawsuits and an inmate's calculated scheme against Nelson, and of a prison church's growth and crumbling racial walls. "Behind Fences" urges the reader to discover and pursue his or her own life calling and to view God's faithfulness on that journey.
The author interspersed her own perspectives as the Zeisets' family life intersected with Nelson's ministry. She has published inspirational articles, devotions, and fiction in The Secret Place, The Upper Room, Power for Living, War Cry and varied local publications.
"Behind Fences" is available through Masthof Press, on Amazon and at local retailers.
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