Leah Taylor Trotter
Leah Taylor Trotter is an ordained pastor, licensed attorney, and author whose life of faith has taken her from smuggling Bibles into the former Soviet Union to preaching in prison. As a chaplain at Ground Zero after 9/11, she has lived her calling to bring light into dark places. Compelled by awe for a mighty God and deep love for His Word, she seeks to help others know the Author. Now based in Anchorage, Alaska, she writes and teaches with that same passion. Her forthcoming book, Way to Emmaus: Legacy Edition, continues the theological legacy of her grandfather, Princeton-trained theologian Byron Nelson, revealing how Scripture forms one cohesive story of love and redemption.
About Leah
About Leah (Brief Version)Leah is an ordained pastor, attorney, and author whose life reflects faith-filled adventure and courageous service. From smuggling Bibles into the former Soviet Union to preaching in prison and serving as a chaplain at Ground Zero after 9/11, Leah has lived her calling to bring light into dark places.A graduate with honors from The University of Texas School of Law, she clerked for the Texas Supreme Court and has assisted her husband---General Counsel of The Justice Foundation---on pro bono cases, including briefs cited by the U.S. Supreme Court. An Alliance Defending Freedom Blackstone Fellow, she also serves as a deacon and teacher at her church in Anchorage, Alaska.Leah's forthcoming book, Way to Emmaus: Legacy Edition, continues the theological legacy of her grandfather, Princeton-trained theologian Byron Nelson, exploring how Scripture reveals the character of God and the cohesive story of redemption proclaimed since Eden.A mother of four and cancer survivor, Leah celebrates her Creator by kayaking Alaska's crystal-clear lakes and teaching Bible studies drawn from her manuscript.
About Leah (Full Biography)From smuggling Bibles into the former Soviet Union to adopting sick children from Haiti, Leah has lived a life marked by adventure, conviction, and grace. An ordained pastor, attorney, and writer, she seeks to fulfill her calling to bring light into dark places.Born in Indiana in 1968, Leah earned a full-ride academic scholarship to college, graduating with a degree in English Education. A gifted communicator from the start, she was named Top Congresswoman at the National College Debate Tournament and placed third nationally in poetry interpretation at the National College Speech Tournament. She went on to teach English in inner-city high schools in New York City and Los Angeles after the riots, earning her Principal's Outstanding Teacher Award for classroom excellence.While in law school in New York City, Leah watched the Twin Towers fall from just a mile away on September 11th. In the months that followed, she served as a chaplain at Ground Zero---praying, listening, and comforting the grieving amid the ruins. Later, she transferred to The University of Texas School of Law, where she graduated with honors, won moot court, and published a short story in the school's literary journal. She clerked for the Texas Supreme Court, became an Alliance Defending Freedom Blackstone Fellow, and is licensed with the Texas Bar.For more than two decades, Leah has assisted her husband---General Counsel of The Justice Foundation, a Christian law firm---on numerous pro bono cases. Together, they've contributed to significant legal briefs, including one cited by the U.S. Supreme Court majority in Carhart and four briefs in Dobbs.When Leah set aside her legal career to homeschool her four children, she discovered another kind of mission field---her home. Her once 32-pound, nine-year-old Haitian daughter is now a healthy Taylor
University graduate, a living testament to God's restoration. Another daughter studies at the University of Southern California as a National Merit Scholar.In her forthcoming book, Way to Emmaus: Legacy Edition, Leah draws deeply from her spiritual and academic heritage. Her grandfather, Byron Nelson, a Princeton-trained theologian and prolific writer (After Its Kind, The Deluge Story in Stone, A Catechism on Evolution), laid a strong theological foundation for her work. Before Leah's parents married, Byron spent hours discussing Scripture with her father, a Harvard-trained physician. Through those conversations, her father came to faith in Christ---a transformation that shaped Leah's own spiritual lineage. Byron passed away shortly after Leah was born, but through this project, she says she has "gained a grandpa," rediscovering his voice through his words.As both an attorney and pastor, Leah sees the persuasive power of truth expressed through sound reasoning and sacred text. Just as legal briefs cite Supreme Court precedents, she notes, believers can stand on the eternal authority of the Supreme Judge's Word. Her writing, like her grandfather's, is meticulously grounded in Scripture, reflecting both her intellect and her reverence for divine authorship.Leah's journey also includes profound encounters with God's healing power. During training with Youth With A Mission (YWAM), she broke her arm rollerblading and required surgery and therapy. Before therapy began, an Israeli preacher called forward those seeking healing and urged them to declare the names of God aloud. In that moment, Leah's arm was instantly restored---leaving doctors astounded. Years later, God healed her again---this time from cancer. Those miracles inspired her to weave the names of God throughout her writing, offering readers a living testimony of His faithfulness.Today, Leah serves as a deacon at her church in Anchorage, Alaska. She is a member of the prayer team, delivers communion messages, ministers in the women's prison, and teaches weekly Bible studies drawn from her Way to Emmaus manuscript. She and her husband also serve as academic
advisors to a Christian campus ministry, where Leah has mentored female students and staff for fifteen years.When she's not teaching, writing, or ministering, Leah celebrates her Creator in the beauty of His creation—kayaking across Alaska's crystal-clear lakes, hiking its majestic trails, and praising the God who authored both Scripture and the natural world.Through every season—teacher, lawyer, pastor, mother, and author---Leah has pursued her calling: to worship God in Spirit and in Truth and help others encounter His cohesive story of redemption."What greater adventure and meaningful challenge," she writes, "than to trust and worship the One who reveals Himself through every page of His Word."
About Her Grandfather
Way to Emmaus: Legacy Edition is adapted from On the Way to Emmaus
by Leah's grandfather, Byron C. Nelson, originally published in 1937 by Augsburg Publishing House.In this photo, he's holding Leah as a baby --- a reminder of the legacy that inspired this new edition. Read his full biography below.
Byron C. Nelson (1893-1972)
Leah’s grandfather, Byron Christopher Nelson, was born in Madison, Wisconsin, on December 23, 1893, to U.S. Congressman and attorney John Mandt Nelson and suffragette Thea Johanna Stondahl Nelson. As a child, Byron often traveled with his parents from Wisconsin to Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Much of what Leah knows about her grandfather comes from family stories and a treasured keepsake—an autobiographical photo album her grandparents compiled for their 35th anniversary.Athletic, quick, and creative, Byron excelled at fishing, skiing, sailing, skating, and swimming. In high school he served as yearbook editor and football quarterback, and at the University of Wisconsin, he was captain of the swim team, president of the gymnastics team, and a member of both the Athletic Board and the Iron Cross honorary society. He lost the student body president election by just two votes. One of his oil paintings once hung in the University of Wisconsin Student Union. He married his college sweetheart, Anita Valentine Pleuss, in 1917—perhaps winning her heart, as family lore says, with his signature bright red ties.Byron earned multiple degrees, including a Bachelor of Divinity from Luther Theological Seminary (1922) and a Master of Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary (1926). He also pursued graduate study in genetics at Rutgers University in New Jersey.His grandson Dr. Paul Nelson later published a collected volume of Byron’s writings, The Creationist Writings of Byron C. Nelson, in the series Creationism in Twentieth-Century America (Routledge, 2021). That anthology includes an extensive biographical profile. On the Way to Emmaus—the inspiration for Leah’s Way to Emmaus: Legacy Edition—was not included in the anthology. Unlike Byron’s more academic works on Creationism, this small volume reveals his imaginative and devotional side.In On the Way to Emmaus, Byron broke new ground by dramatizing Scripture—a creative method considered unconventional in 1937, nearly a century before The Chosen series or Jonathan Cahn’s Book of Mysteries. In his original foreword, reproduced in the Legacy Edition, Byron addresses his critics who warned that “putting words in the mouth of Jesus” was irreverent. After a year of prayer and reflection, he concluded that faithful preaching has always expanded upon Scripture to communicate the heart of God. Drawing on that conviction, he imagined which Old Testament passages Jesus might have shared with His disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:14–35).On the Way to Emmaus is a tender portrayal of Jesus walking with His followers through grief and doubt—a theme Byron himself seemed to know well. Byron’s life was marked by both triumph and trauma. In college, he became a political pawn in an attempt to unseat his father from Congress. During World War I, as a conscientious objector, he volunteered on Canadian farms to increase wartime food supply. The headlines branded him a “slacker”—a coward and unpatriotic. Overnight, his reputation at the University of Wisconsin collapsed. The experience, his daughter later recalled, humbled him and drove him to seek meaning beyond popularity and success.Eventually, Byron entered the ministry, believing his struggles had prepared him to comfort others. Later, pressed to support the war effort, he served as a combat medic, witnessing the horrors of the front lines. Convinced by Mein Kampf that Hitler must be stopped, he returned to Europe as a chaplain during World War II, where he was delighted to learn that his book After Its Kind was required reading for military chaplains.The Great Depression brought its own hardships as he struggled to support a family of six on a rural pastor’s salary. One of their children, John Byron, died before his first birthday, and Leah’s mother was sent to live with relatives to continue her schooling. Yet the Nelson home was filled with faith and joy. Leah’s mother wrote in an article for the Concordia Historical Institute Quarterly:“To my dad’s credit, I was never conscious of poverty or lack of earthly blessings, nor did I ever fear for the future. Dad constantly rejoiced in his Creator, Redeemer, and Holy Spirit. He knew that the greatest treasure he could offer us was a firm faith in our Savior through His revealed Word, the Bible. I thank him for that.”Byron’s steadfast faith shaped the generations that followed. Leah grew up hearing him called “the first defender of Creationism from a scientific viewpoint.” She often saw his books—After Its Kind, The Deluge Story in Stone, and A Catechism on Evolution—on her family’s shelves. Ironically, it was her Harvard-trained physician father who first set out to challenge Byron’s beliefs through scientific study. Those very studies, and the conversations that followed, led Leah’s dad to faith in Christ.Among Leah’s cherished keepsakes is an antique-framed painting of roses her grandfather created (bearing his father’s congressional signature on the back) as well as a photograph of Byron, dressed in a suit, solemnly holding her as an infant. He passed away soon after, leaving her with no firsthand memories—only the photo and the legacy of his writings. Among Leah’s most treasured mementos is a book her grandfather inscribed to her four-year-old mother:“Read and love the Bible, little one. Study its relations. Pray for God’s blessings as you do so, and you’ll have a treasure in your heart that is worth more than all the world, because that treasure is ‘Christ in you, the hope of glory.’ Lovingly, your father.”Leah now has a heart of love and gratitude to her “grandpa.”
Ground Zero Chaplain
In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, Leah took a leave from law school to serve as a chaplain with her midtown Manhattan church. For four months, she spent hundreds of hours at Ground Zero—first on the pile, then in the pit—ministering among the ruins of the World Trade Center. She prayed with first responders, debriefed security personnel, and escorted the fallen and recovery workers in solemn processions to the morgue.Fifteen years later, Leah began a year and a half of counseling to process the trauma of those months. Out of that healing journey came more than twenty songs—raw reflections of grief, faith, and restoration. Two of them are shared here: her first, Freedom in a Trashcan, and her last, 9/11 Responder Song.
Books
Public Speaking
Leah has loved speaking for as long as she can remember—perhaps a little too much for her teacher in her one-room Christian primary school. Her enthusiasm for words quickly found its purpose: she went on to win awards in high school speech, debate, drama, and the VFW Voice of Democracy competition; later, in college, she excelled at national debate and speech tournaments. In law school she and her partner were her school’s moot court winners.Before law school, Leah taught high school English, where she was known for making literature come alive for her students. Yet her greatest joy has always been sharing about Jesus—whether through Youth With A Mission (YWAM) or her home church.Today, she continues to speak on the transformative power of God’s Word, often drawing from her upcoming book Way to Emmaus: Legacy Edition and the story of redemption that has echoed through the centuries.
Contact
Thank you for your interest in getting in touch with Leah Taylor Trotter. Please complete the form below to send her a message. Alternately, feel free to call or text at
210-264-7470.
Way to Emmaus:
Legacy Edition
A heartbroken Jewish couple leaves Jerusalem after witnessing their beloved Rabbi’s crucifixion. As they trudge the long road home to Emmaus, a mysterious teacher joins them. Step by step, he reveals that God has woven His love and redemption into the very fabric of their history—His plan for the Messiah to suffer and die proclaimed from the beginning, fulfilled in their midst.As their eyes are opened to the risen Jesus, their sorrow transforms to revelation, their despair to awe. Step onto that dusty road and rediscover Christ through their journey, seeing anew how God’s great legacy of love has been scripted through every page of Scripture.This 55,000-word work of biblical fiction is adapted from a 1937 treasure by Leah’s grandfather, Byron C. Nelson, a Princeton-trained theologian. In this modern Legacy Edition, Leah bridges past and present—reviving a timeless story of redemption for a new generation of readers.
Endorsements
“I have no doubt that my dear father would rejoice to know the message he desired to communicate has been wonderfully enhanced in this exceptional work by my niece Leah.”
–Priscilla Mitchell, daughter of the original author“I cried, cheered, learned, pondered–a delightful journey. This work is important and needs to be accessible.”
–Janet Weiss, retired oil company president and church board member“An inspiring story–incredibly educational, yet deeply moving and easy to understand. A lifetime of research by both grandfather and granddaughter provides the reader a rich banquet. Highly recommended!”
–Allan Parker, The Justice Foundation president“This is the heartwarming, hope-filled story of what Jesus' Luke 24 conversation with his disciples might have sounded like. The ‘Gospel according to the Old Testament’ becomes amazingly clear. Bravo!”
–Charles R. Taylor, MD, cardiologist“This book sharpened my understanding of familiar topics and revealed to me new metaphors woven throughout the Bible, showcasing to me the power of faith through the ages.”
–Jazzie Trotter, University of Southern California sophomore“A fun read! I appreciated the Scripture references that anchor the ideas presented.”
–Pastor Blaine Schmidt“Really interesting to see how perfectly the Old Testament prophecies line up with the New Testament stories!”
–Davey Trotter, high school junior“I’ve always loved the Old Testament, but reading this book sparked even greater love for it. It’s the love story God has written out for us over time!”
–Courtney Schuman, environmental scientist“Fascinating! I hadn’t heard the deeper meanings before. Really eye-opening for me. It’s so cool to see how all these stories connect to Jesus dying for us.”
–Vagi Trotter, recent Taylor University graduate
Foundations of Legacy:
10-Week Way to Emmaus
Bible Study
You’re invited to walk alongside Jesus on the road to Emmaus, where He unveils a masterclass in Messianic prophecy—showing how the Scriptures have foretold His suffering, death, and resurrection. From Adam and Eve to the Exodus to the Tabernacle, this study connects the prophetic threads woven across millennia, revealing our astonishing legacy of salvation and love fulfilled in Christ.Each week, participants listen to a chapter from Way to Emmaus: Legacy Edition and then explore the foundational Scriptures that inspired it. Along the way, you’ll encounter the breathtaking contrast between the vastness of our Creator—who orchestrated His Redemption Plan from Genesis to Revelation—and His intimate desire to walk with us even in our pain and doubt and dwell within our hearts.
Endorsements
“As a seasoned believer, I rarely find a Bible study that both challenges and entertains me. This does both! Be prepared to feel the dust on your feet and the hand of the Good Shepherd as He pulls you gently along the road to the place your soul longs to call home, His arms.”
–Pastor Mari Nordby“A skillfully written, spirit-led revelation of the talk between Jesus and his disciples. The insight and parallels throughout the study are remarkable. Well done!”
–Tammy Galipeau“Enormously encouraging, this walk with Jesus through prophecy brought me great joy and closer to Him!”
–Clayton Trotter“This study answered my prayer for God to open the Scriptures to me like he did for the disciples on the way to Emmaus. Such a rich and amazing study as we have delved into the prophecies about Jesus.”
–Angelica Cavanaugh
Legacy Proclaimed:
10-Week Way to Emmaus
Bible Study
You’re invited to walk alongside Jesus on the road to Emmaus, where He unveils a masterclass in Messianic prophecy—showing how the Scriptures have foretold His suffering, death, and resurrection. From the Tabernacle to the Psalms and Proverbs, this study connects the prophetic threads woven across millennia, revealing our astonishing legacy of salvation and love fulfilled in Christ.Each week, participants listen to a chapter from Way to Emmaus: Legacy Edition and then explore the foundational Scriptures that inspired it. Along the way, you’ll encounter the breathtaking contrast between the vastness of our Creator—who orchestrated His Redemption Plan from Genesis to Revelation—and His intimate desire to walk with us even in our pain and doubt and dwell within our hearts.---
Endorsements
“A great blessing! I love the way this study ‘personalizes’ the Bible passage. I’m getting to know Jesus better. I liked the study so much I’m sharing with my weekly home church. The lessons are a great pathway for meaningful discussion. I highly recommend it!”
–John Yurman“A well-written, well-narrated, and creatively drawn story with a solid representation of the teachings from Scripture. Come along!”
–Bob Price“This study provides insight into Old Testament prophetic scriptures, allusions, and types that were fulfilled when Jesus cried out, ‘It is finished!’”
–David Pruitt“Exciting to learn (along with the disciples) the ways that Father God foreshadowed the love and sacrifice of Jesus all the way back to Genesis. It has strengthened my faith and deepened my knowledge of the character of God, his faithfulness, and unfailing love for us.”
–Kim Robuck