LBC Echo Fall 2022 - 11

things. " These trained inmates grew the church in a way
Zeiset couldn't since he went home at 4:30 p.m. each
afternoon. The inmate leaders, however, were fixtures
in the prison and could interact with others any time
of day. This example of God's work was just one of the
ways the Lord blessed inmates through Zeiset.
God had truly done amazing work through Zeiset's
chaplain duties. Yet, as he retired from his 33-year
ministry career, he wanted to leave a way for his
grandchildren to know what God did through his
chaplain work. Thus, Zeiset and his wife wrote a book
called " Behind Fences: A Prison Chaplain's Story. "
" The book is really about my 33 years in prison ministry, "
Zeiset said. " I think being a prison chaplain is pretty
unique. " " Behind Fences " recounts his ministry and what
he learned over three decades, while also providing
advice for those serving in prison ministry. Zeiset also
shared advice for those in the LBC | Capital community
who feel called to prison ministry.
" Make sure that God is calling you and that you have
tough skin, " Zeiset said. He also made it clear that one
must know the difference between love and trust before
entering prison ministry.
" Value inmates as valuable, precious human beings and
care for them that way, " he continued. " If you don't know
how to divide love and trust, you probably can't be in
prison ministry. One must be clear that they don't trust
the inmates, but they still act out of love toward these
criminals. "
Since he was 12, God left a burning desire in Nelson
Zeiset's heart for prison ministry. This led him and his
wife to minister for 33 years behind fences. After retiring,
God encouraged the couple to record their experiences
for their grandchildren to take to heart. " Behind Fences "
chronicles their experiences, but their impact will be felt
on not just their descendants. Thanks to Zeiset's ministry,
many men behind bars know the truth. And the truth
has set them free.
Discover the bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs
within LBC | Capital Church & Ministry Leadership
Department at lbc.edu/cml.
ECHO 23
ECHO 11
http://www.lbc.edu/cml
LBC Echo Fall 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of LBC Echo Fall 2022
