Death on Hold

About the book

A death-row inmate prays to God for a friend and is answered in ways that are nothing short of miraculous.

In January 1983 Burt Folsom read a story in Time about Mitch Rutledge, a man on death row with an IQ of 84 who said he was sorry for what he did. "Forget him," the last line of the story read. But Burt wrote Mitch a letter and discovered a man more interesting and intelligent than the article revealed.

Burt and his wife, Anita, began a friendship with Mitch and saw him become a leader and role model for others in prison, teaching himself to read and write (starting with copying down the spelling of items he knew from TV commercials) and becoming a national spokesman on prison life.

Death on Hold is the amazing story of their friendship, and of grace, reconciliation, and redemption for a man without hope who was given a future.

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About the Authors

Burt Folsom

Currently holds the Charles Kline Chair in History and Management at Hillsdale College. He has written for the Wall Street Journal, Business History Review, and the Washington Times, among publications. Burt is the coauthor of FDR Goes to War. He has made numerous television appearances and is a frequent guest on talk radio. Burt and his wife, Anita, write for their blog at BurtFolsom.com.

Anita Folsom

Has directed Hillsdale College's Free Market Forum since 2006. She has written for the Wall Street Journal, the Detroit News, Continuity, the American Spectator, Human Events, and other publications. She is the coauthor of FDR Goes to War. Anita has appeared on numerous television programs and given numerous radio appearances. Anita and her husband write for their blog at BurtFolsom.com.

Endorsements

"Death on Hold is a modern day book of Acts and shines a light on one of the most promising mission fields in America today; her bulging prisons."

David Durell, Chairman, MissionColumbus, Columbus, Ohio

"Death on Hold is a real-life example of how faith can allow a person to "create" purpose and meaning in life rather than passively waiting to "find" it."

Dr. Kent Hawkins, Head of Pastoral Care & Counseling, Mount Paran Church, Atlanta, Georgia

"Anita and Burt Folsom tell a captivating and inspirational story of God's redemptive power, reminding us that we are called to love all of God's children, including those who are hardest to forgive. When we do so, we encounter God's redemptive power in our own lives, just as it is for Mitchell Rutledge."

Cheryl Bachelder, CEO, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.

"Death on Hold takes you from the despair of a life without purpose, to the liberty of a life redeemed by the grace of God. After reading this book, the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:36, ‘I was in prison, and ye came unto me,’ will take on a renewed significance."

David Kent, Senior Pastor, Fellowship of Praise Church, Stafford, Texas

"I started reading Death on Hold and could not put it down. What a powerful story! I’ve worked with inner city ministry in Houston for more than twenty years, and Mitchell Rutledge’s story is a special triumph of God’s grace over death and despair."

Prince Couisnard, President, Malachi Destiny & Purpose

"Burt and Anita Folsom capture an amazing story of hope in Death on Hold. The story of Mitch, an Alabama man described as ‘worthless’ by Time magazine demonstrates his real worth in God."

Dr. Kent Hawkins, Head of Pastoral Care & Counseling, Mount Paran Church, Atlanta, Georgia

"Death on Hold is a compelling story of the redemptive and transformative power of Christ. Mitch’s story is truly remarkable and a beautiful reminder of the inherent dignity that everyone has, which can only come from our creator. It is also a vivid reminder of how re-connecting with Christ, no matter what our past, is the only way to redemption.

Burton and Anita Folsom have demonstrated what it looks like to live out the gospel making this is a must-read and a reminder that, in Christ, not one of us is forgotten nor should we be discarded."

Dr. Anne Bradley, Vice-President for Economic Initiatives at The Institute for Faith, Work, & Economics

Media Inquiries

For press inquiries regarding Death on Hold please contact
Tiffany Sawyer at Tiffany.Sawyer@harpercollins.com