I just want to say how much I appreciate your company, my husband and I took the trip to the holy land with David Disney in March. Also to say what an asset Shiraz was for our group, he went above and beyond from just being a photographer he became a friend and showed us many things . They places we met and the company people were above anything I would’ve expected they made us feel so welcomed and as family . So God bless you and all your doing!
Thank you again
Amy Mcgowen
Dear Tony & Brooke,
I just wanted to let you know how wonderful our trip to The Holy Land & Jordan was. We returned last night.
The hotels, drivers, and guides were outstanding! Perhaps you heard that Our guide in Jordan took the group to his home to meet his wife & mother. We had tea & treats with them!
There were so many moving moments during our time together! It was truly a trip of a lifetime! Just as you said it would be!
I know these past 2 years have been very hard on the travel industry. I hope your company continues to grow & offer opportunities for travelers as well as Christian Companies in Palestine.
My eyes & heart were opened to the plight of the Palestine Christians. This was a very unique perspective, one I will certainly not forget.
Thank you again for the attention that was paid to all travel components. I am 110% satisfied with this trip!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend,
Jean Voelkel
I’d been to several pilgrimages in Europe but my pilgrimage to Holy Land with Good Shepherd Travel was a Pilgrimage of a lifetime for me.
It was truly a spiritual journey for me not only because of the holy places I visited but because of the beautiful & caring people of God I was with. From the safe bus driver, to the awesome tour guide, & our amazing Rhiana who really looked out for us all the way.
Thank you for the great service & making our journey a memorable one. In a nutshell Good Shepherd Travel cares.
I’m looking forward for the next trip with Good Shepherd Travel.
God bless
Bernardita Redoblado
Tony,
I returned from my pilgrimage to the Holy Land last Friday and wanted to share my thanks for such a incredible adventure.
First, your on-the-ground staff was so very knowledgeable and accommodating to our every need. I truly enjoyed how Rami worked to tie together different evidence supporting with we were seeing: the Bible, known practices from the era, Jewish law, different interpretations of linguistics, etc... This collection of evidence really made everything 'come alive'. Rami's insights on how we could most efficiently enjoy the many sites was also beneficial. Every day was action-packed! The guys collectively made an outstanding team, & I look forward to receiving the video and pictures.
I realize that lunch was not originally included in the package we signed up for, even though you provided it every day. I very much appreciate your taking care of this for us, both from a financial perspective as well as another means of minimizing 'hassle' for we tourists. The food was delicious and, more importantly, was a much more efficient way for the group to eat, allowing us more time for sight seeing. Thank you!
The guides to get us through the airport, both on arrival and departure in Tel Aviv were very valued. Being in a foreign land where locals may or may not speak English can be intimidating and these people were very helpful resources.
If you have any need for in-person testimonials in the Chicago area, I will be happy to share my experience.
As a result of this trip, I also have a better appreciation for the Palestinian situation and will be looking for ways that I can spread the word and support the Palestinian cause. Thank you for opening my eyes.
I wish you and your team the best of luck, & look forward to receiving information on the 2023 trip to Greece.
With warm regards,
Tamara Peterson
Hi Tony,
I'm back state side, after having the most wonderful trip ever. As you know, Pastor Paul's group was one of the 1st to travel to the Holy Land since Covid hit. it was wonderful. Lines were short and we got to see snow in Bethlehem. Aside from that, our team were the best! John (Driver), Soufiana (Tour Guide) and Jurious cameraman. And even Esau and his wife joined us for several days. They all went out of their way to make us feel welcome. I have already shared Good Shepard Tours with several friends. And will continue to do so.
I do not participate in social media which is why I am sending this email. I would not want to miss the opportunity to praise Good Shepard.
Alan Sloan
02/03/2022
Hi Tony,
Pardon my delay in expressing my thanks. But as I'm sure you've heard and seen from others, we had a great trip! One full of memories and life-changing experiences.
Given all the protocols, procedures, and formalities, we were super impressed with the level of coordination and communication you and others had to do. I'm sure there's a lot more we know nothing of behind the scenes. Flights were great, transfers were smooth, and our guides and hosts in Israel were friendly, hospitable, and generous with their time, energy, and knowledge. Even their families!
Anyway, just wanted to express my personal thanks for working with me in my needs coming from Sarasota and rearranging flights to get me back directly to FL (on top of everyone else's needs and concerns).
God saw us through and blessed us all. We're especially humbled that we were able to visit Israel for the narrow window we had before Omicron shut Israel down again. The space and time we had to visit such holy sites without a lot of other people was incredible.
A blessed Christmas to you and your family,
Michael +
Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit
Osprey, FL
I went to the Holy Land with our group in 2019. I didn't think it could be any better but I was wrong. Seeing new sites, fewer crowds and less rushing made each day so special. I'm the one who fell and went to the clinic.
Bader was so helpful by calling ahead telling them an American was coming in with an injured knee. The care was good. I must say the dinner at The Port was outstanding. The food was delicious and it was a beautiful setting. Watching the waves crash and spray made it hard to leave the beautiful land of Israel.
I hope others won't delay making this life changing trip. The Bible comes to life and is even more dear to my heart. A last comment. We all love Shiraz. He was our onboard entertainer. Thank you for all your hard work that made this trip so wonderful.
God Bless You. Your sister in Christ, Araminta Williams
Dear Tony,
Thank you not only for the work of your tour company but also for your personal touches and sharing throughout the trip. For example, from Jerusalem kaak, to baklava, to the bottle of wine after our renewal of vows, you added tasty treats throughout the trip. And then there was the sharing – your story, the story of your family, Palestinian customs, and of course, your faith.
Mary and I give thanks for your vocation and pray that with precautions, a fuller schedule of tours may be given by your company, not only to benefit you but to benefit the people who take the pilgrimage.
Peace,
Mary and David Rowe
July 19, 2021
Greetings from the Allegheny Synod!
We are back home and getting used to the snow and ice of January here in the Laurel Highlands.
Before we get back into our daily routines, we want to express our sincere thanks for an excellent trip to the Holy Land guided by Good Shepherd Travel! From start to finish every aspect of the trip was superbly handled. The hospitality, warmth, and graciousness of your whole staff was much appreciated. Our guide and driver were extremely well prepared, very personable, and constantly watchful as they cared for the group. Iyad’s insights brought the Bible to life as well as informing us about the present situation that Palestinian Christians face in daily life.
The accommodations were wonderful. Both in Tiberias and Bethlehem we couldn’t ask for better lodgings and food. Probably the only negative was that there was too much food - but every bite was excellent!
Thank you for Good Shepherd Travel’s ministry! We will certainly highly recommend your services to others!
May God continue to bless your work!
Pastor Ed and Deacon Pernelle DeVore
Hello Tony,
The trip was life changing, and Sufian and Elias (guide and driver) were absolutely wonderful people, a privilege to get to know. Sufian’s knowledge is vast - we all learned so much.
Both Elias and Sufian treated us like family. Such a complicated part of the world to “explain” to people - but they both taught and lived everything that the Holy Land is about.
I feel so fortunate and privileged to have gone, and to have gone with the Good Shepherd. You guys are awesome.
Feel free to cut and paste any of that if you want to.
My life will never be the same after that trip - and I am so grateful.
Elizabeth Marshall,
MD, MAT (Master of Arts in Theology)
Estes Park, Colorado
Dear Pastor El-Yateem,
What a truly wonderful experience! This was my second tour of the Holy Land, and I am SO glad that I decided to join your tour. There is so much that made this tour so meaningful and enjoyable!
Hotel stays were limited to two hotels - this made the visit so much more comfortable instead of changing hotels every two days! The hotels were both excellent choices: clean, comfortable rooms and delicious food!
The tour guides were superb! I learned so much more on this trip, both historical and biblical information was related and explained clearly. The spiritual aspect of the tour made it a true growing experience!
The sites visited far exceeded those that I visited on my first visit that lasted for the same number of days. The number of visits per day were well regulated for time spent at each site and for the number of visits within a day. I was asked which site I preferred, and it was difficult to choose just one. The wonderful memories from this tour will be with me for the rest of my life!!
The buses were comfortable and the drivers were personable, professional, and experts in maneuvering through the narrow spaces. They were also very helpful. Your knowledge of the area and family ties made the trip so very special. It was so nice to meet members of your family and your friends - what a terrific group!! They made all of us feel so welcome.
Thanks to you, to your friends and family, to Good Shepherd Travel for the "royal" treatment! Visits to the schools were wonderful and so informative! The special lunches that were offered and the parties were terrific! Thanks for the good food and fun!!
And thank you for the lovely gifts - great mementos of this memorable trip.
Thank you especially for sharing your story and that of Palestinians. How little we know or understand about the plight of the Palestinians! We will now spread the word in our churches and to our congressional representatives.
This was an incredible experience and I am most grateful to have been a part of it. Thank you!
Blessings,
Karen Coleman
Tony, my wife and I would like to thank your company for organizing a wonderful experience that we had to the holy land. The bible came alive with every new site we came to.
The people we met from the churches, tent of nations, and christian peacekeepers team are extraordinary people of faith that gave us new meanings of living with hope.
We share their message of struggle and peace with all we meet. The most
important message we share is an invitation to come and see, which we hope all
will accept.
Blessings to you and your family on the night of our savior's birth and a new
year filled with HOPE.
Mark and Sheila Gerber
Hello Tony,
Christmas Peace,
Trip was Nov 14-24, 2019. 20 people, including myself, were on the pilgrimage.
Landing in Ben Gurion, we were immediately greeted and welcomed. We immediately bussed up to the Galilee area which I very much appreciated. I had been to the Holy Land three previous times and stayed in Tel Aviv the first night. Going directly to Galilee facilitated the immediate beginning of our pilgrimage without the hassle of first day travel north.
I found following the chronological progression of Christ's mission to be very helpful. From the beginning of his life in Nazareth, to moving days later to Jerusalem to be very helpful.
Our guide, Ramzi, was exceptional. Having heard and experienced three other guides, he was the most spiritual and scripturally connected, and most importantly he was personable. Not only did he have amazing knowledge of the sites, but thoroughly "connected the dots" throughout Jesus' ministry and travels. I would insist on having Ramzi on future trips. Ramzi used a compact individual radio/communication system which was invaluable.
As well, our bus driver, John, was exceptional. He was consistently helpful in dealing with a special needs passenger and his maneuvering of the bus through very tight situations in narrow streets was beyond talented.
Visiting the shop where olive wood is carved and then having dinner with the shop's owner and family in their home made the trip feel very much less like a "tour" but a true family pilgrimage.
I would travel with Good Shepherd Travel again in a heart beat.
I would be happy to share further thoughts should you wish to contact me.
Rev. Lawrence T. Solan, D.Min.
Just wanted you to know that we had an amazing time in the Holy Land.
It was everything we expected, and so much more!!
We really felt like we were treated like family.
Thank you for everything!
Judy Wyzlic
September '19 Holy Land Tour with Fr. Uju - Sacred Heart Parish Alamosa, Colorado
It's been more than two months since I came back from my trip and I still think about it every day and talk to people about it as often I'm able.
I was promised a life-changing experience, but I was skeptical, and I must admit that I was wrong. I have traveled other places in the world, but never had such a wonderful experience. Not only was my faith changed forever, I was surprised to learn so much about the Christian community there. Truly the living stones of the Church in the Holy Land.
Our guide, Ramzi Ghattas, was extremely knowledgeable, articulate, insightful, observant of our various needs and always humorous. Our photographer, Jiries (George) Sadi, was warm, helpful, knowledgeable, always willing to help and a great (and indulgent) photographer. We received our photographs/video and Jiries truly did a fantastic job taking and compiling the photos and video for us. Not having to think about memorializing our journey allowed us to have a deeper experience.
Our driver John (I'm sorry I don't know his last name), was also wonderful. He was so pleasant and indulgent of our various antics. The bus was always clean and cool with plenty of water. His driving abilities would be impressive anywhere in the world.
The Ron Beach Hotel was great, I loved being able to see the Sea of Galilee every morning and evening. The food and hospitality was excellent. The Paradise Premium Hotel was also wonderful. The food was great and the staff extremely pleasant and helpful.
I was grateful to be given the opportunity to patronize Christian owned businesses.
I developed a real love for the beautiful people I met. I have spoken to many of my fellow pilgrims since and they all have the same feeling. I didn't want to leave and I just can't wait for the chance to go back. I am making it my mission to encourage as many people as I can to make the same journey and I will do all I can to assist anyone who is preparing for the trip.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the work you do to support Christianity in the Holy Land.
Lisa
Caitlin Elisabeth Mizell
Dear Mr. Tony Abuaita,
We can't thank you enough for a wonderful journey through the land of our Savior Jesus Christ. Ramzi our tour guide took good care of all of us. He would share the scripture which related to each of the places we were about to experience. He is very skilled in the Word of God. This was very helpful to us. He has a good sense of humor and kept us laughing, everyone enjoyed his humor. We were well taken care of and enjoyed the entire pilgrimage, thanks to Ramzi's guidance and thoughtfulness.
Shiraz and the first photographer were very nice to us. We can hardly wait to see their pictures of our pilgrimage. We were well fed and taken care of the entire time. We witnessed a marriage, a reception complete with a drone that took pictures and a beautiful cake to honor the bride and groom.
We had dinner with the Bannoura family one evening. It was a pleasure to meet more of the family, that some of us did not know.
Our bus driver was a pleasant man who was a very good driver. He kept us safe even when some drivers drove way too close to us.
We saw so many Churches and other places that related to Jesus, His family and Apostles. We saw so many places that Jesus taught or fed with food or spiritual food. We even touched His tomb.
You should be proud of your business, we think you deserve 14 stars.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Ralph and Frances Le Clere
Dear Tony,
I recently returned from my Holyland trip. I would like to commend the office of Good Shepherd both here in the U.S . and those you partner with in Israel.
I always felt our needs were heard and we were genuinely cared for as a group. Our trip was truly enhanced culturally and historically by our tutor and guide Khalil. Our driver ever patient and courageous on those mountain roads, city streets, kept us safe and calm. Thank you Khamel, forgive me if spelling is in error.
I give thanks personally for the gift of being able to experience the journey.
Our hotel accommodations, meals and the people we met a world away will be a lifetime memory.
I did have opportunity to speak with other pilgrims of other travel agencies and you raise the bar.
Many thanks, many more pilgrims to journey with you.
Respectfully, Beverly Guinen
This was a most excellent trip. I would love to sign up again if it comes available in the future. It was awesome, life changing. beautiful in many ways. Our Guide Ramse was excellent. George was the photographer and became an important part of our tour also. yes it was physically demanding but I was able to meet the demand.
I'm glad that we did Jerusalem first and sea of Galilee the last part. I am still processing every day in my mind the thing we saw and experienced. It made the bible come alive for me. I have already told anyone who would ask to definitely do this if you have the chance. it is more then worth it.
I am one of the ones who loved the food so this would not need to be changed as far as I was concerned. Some had difficulty but they I guess were not ready for this part of the trip.
Thank you for arranging this trip. The hotels were great (you might warn Americans to bring a wash cloth as these were not available) . The bus was and driver were just right.
Thank you again for arranging this trip, the guides, the buss and photographer. Excellent. We cant wait to get out DVD's of the trip. Love to everyone in Israel.
Hi Tony,
I wanted to take a moment to personally thank you for our trip to the Holy Land on May 6-15th. The experience was amazing, and the trip could not have been better put together. I would especially like to mention how good our tour guide, Soufian was. His knowledge and ability to relate the history of the area was really impressive. He was friendly, professional, and very accommodating. He is a real asset to your organization.
Our bus driving Ramzy was also very enjoyable. His driving skills were really quite good. I was amazed at how well he was a drove, especially in many tight spots.
My father had some mobility issues during the trip (he is 86), and Soufian was great at improvising rides, or carts, or other means that made things easier on my Dad. I very much appreciate everything he did, and the fact that your company allows him the flexibility to do that. It made the trip stress free, and much more enjoyable.
Thanks again for the trip of a lifetime.
Blessings,
Brian Gottschalk
Been home about a week now and beginning to get used to that again.
I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all you did to support our pilgrimage from the home office there in Texas. Our experience(s) in the Holy Land surpassed my hopes and expectations in so many ways, and there are so many to thank for that, you being nowhere near the least of those folks!
Everything worked out so well, all the details with flights, itineraries, documentation, communications, all of it. Not to mention the spiritual and educational dimensions of the pilgrimage.
So, thank you very much for your caring and attention to our needs. I am very much looking forward to our next opportunity to work and travel together.
God's peace to you in the mean time, and may you have a meaningful and blessed Holy Week and Easter.
Steve
