The Cross Bearer — E. James Harrison

The name Simon of Cyrene has been all but forgotten, his heroic tale lost to the ages. Now, his story is being told -- a powerful reminder of the faithful man who bore a terrible burden for the One who bore the sins of the world ... Simon has long dreamed of celebrating Passover in Jerusalem. Yet the journey of a thousand miles seems impossible: Simon is crippled, and his beloved wife has been ravaged by a debilitating affliction. So when his sons arrange special passage to Jerusalem for Simon and his wife, the couple is overcome with joy and anticipation. It seems that an impossible dream is within reach ... but their journey is fraught with unexpected perils, from deadly gales to dangerous thieves. As Simon's path intertwines with both friend and foe, each painful step he takes brings him closer to his destiny. More than a tale of physical hardship, intrigue, and deceit, The Cross Bearer is the story of one man's spiritual journey from nonbeliever to fearless crusader in the cause of Jesus Christ.