Following the rape of his mother and her subsequent death, Yoel and two sixteen-year-old friends murder the assailant and flee for their lives. Their story reveals the perils faced during their faith journey and the many life-changing experiences they faced. After saving a young girl from a rapist, the group experiences human compassion when a farmer gives them food for work. Hiding under the very noses of those searching for them teaches them that Roman soldiers are not different from them. Grooming Roman horses to the best of their ability teaches a valuable lesson about honorable labor and pride in workmanship. Encounters with John the Baptist, and the baptism of Jesus, touch their lost souls. Witnessing the erotic dance of Salome opens their eyes to the deprivation behind palace doors. On the run once again, they give water and food to a stranger. The stranger introduces himself as Jesus. Confessing their sins, the group experiences the blessing of redemption. When their friend is stricken with palsy, faith in the healing power of the Son of God brings them to the home of Jesus. Come, join them on a faith journey like no other.
James K. Stewart is a retired Presbyterian minister who has always believed that the Old Testament has helped him to understand the vital necessity of Christ Jesus. His many life experiences of construction worker; scuba instructor; screenplay writer; writer/director of many theatrical productions; and, in his retirement, golfer, have given him an in-depth appreciation of the fact that people—all people, regardless of race, creed, or color—suffer and enjoy the same human experiences.
“James Stewart has the gift of pulling you into the biblical world and bringing imaginative depth, rich detail, and engaging perspective on the lives of the people who tear a roof apart to bring their friend to Jesus.”
—Paul Dyck, retired pastor
“I highly recommend this novel for its insight into the hardships of the first-century Judean way of life. James Stewart has the uncanny ability to take the reader into the biblical story as a first-hand observer.”
—Susan McLaren, lifeguard
“Yoel follows a group of young people with very unfortunate beginnings but who are profoundly moved by chance meetings with Jesus and John the Baptist. It is a very inspirational story!”
—Betty Groenestege-Jantzi, hairdresser