Gloria
April 17, 2017
Tony,
Thank you so much for the email card. Christ Has Risen!
Tony, I would like to thank you for all the "special" ways you made the trip to Israel a life-changing experience. It was fabulous! Everyone from OKC had a marvelous time. I hope to return again and experience the spiritual beauty of the Holy Land. God bless.
Patsy Shields
May 2, 2017
Tony,
I'm a little late getting back to you. I had a blessed Eater because of my trip to the Holy Land. I want to thank you for such a wonderful trip. You and your family, friends and co-workers did such a marvelous job of putting the trip together. I was amazed with the historical background knowledge of Romy and the other guide gave us. It was so marvelous to hear from two sides, Jewish and Christian history as well as the Muslim. When you said you were putting your beast guide with Rom, you really delivered. Also thank you for opening our eyes to the Israeli, Palestinian, Syrian and Muslim plights. It has given me a much better understanding of the world situation. I will be praying for your people and others that are caught in this cultural situation.
I asked him to make a tape of tours, he was very shy and humble. Hopefully this is something you can supply with future tours to purchase, so that we can help remember the places and history we visited. Taking notes and short clips I recorded were not enough, my memory is too short lived to be able to record the story of my pictures.
Your bus drivers were very courteous and cooperative in attending to requests and needs of all on the bus riders; also very safe and good drivers. The guard was very courteous and made the majority of us feel very comfortable with his presence.
I want to give you an five star rating. I am telling people I know about your trip and giving them information to book with you if they are considering taking an overseas trip.
I also want to thank you and Romy for including your family at the Family restaurant what a marvelous show. But most of all I want to thank you for sharing your family, your mother-in law, we made a wonderful connection and will forever be soul mates as well as your father-in-law.
With God's Continued Blessings
Joan Menicucci
Parish Administrative Assistant
Ave Maria Catholic Parish
May 5, 2017
Hi Tony,
I just want to say thank you again, the pilgrimage was outstanding. Being able to stay at the St. Gabriel Hotel in Bethlehem and at the Pilgerhaus at the Sea of Galilee really made our time there special. The dinner at the Grotto was so much fun, we all enjoyed being there and laughing and just having a really good time.
I especially want to tell you how much we appreciated all that Rami, John and Shiraz did for us. Rami certainly has the full knowledge of the history of the Holy Land and gave us so much information, always there with an answer for any question asked. John is the best bus driver, he got us in and out of places that were unbelieveable. Shiraz was a joy, he was always with us taking pictures and he made sure to always watch over us so that we didn't let lost when were walking around in crowds he made all of us very comfortable because Rami had to be in the lead and he kept up the tail end. I can't remember the name of the man in Bethlehem he was around every night to make sure we were all happy.
Please give me regards to all, again thank you.
We love to help families plan and tour the Holy Land together. When you travel with your loved ones, you will not only share the trip of a lifetime, but each of you will grow in your faith as you walked in the places where Jesus walked.
The AbouAssaly family recently planned the Holy Land Tour of a lifetime. While starting small in the initial planning stages, they were able to share their trip with 30 of their family and friends.
After their return, their local paper wrote about their family, their trip and the impact their Good Shepherd Travel Tour had on their faith.
As Elena AbouAssaly said, " I went and I walked in Jesus' footsteps. It's like a totally feeling than before we left."
Rev. Greg Hackett, First United Methodist Church | Corpus Christi, TX
On my fifth trip to the Holy Land, I was looking for a different perspective, or approach, than on previous trips. Of course, any trip to the Holy Land must include the “have-to-go” sites, but I was hoping to get a feel for the people and the culture of the land.
With Good Shepherd Travel, I immediately discovered the right travel coordinator. I was made a part of the Good Shepherd family - from the arrangements in the United States all the way to Israel and throughout the tour. I was repeatedly approached by family members of Good Shepherd - Tony, Rami, Shabaz - earnestly seeking to make our trip the best one ever. And it certainly was!
Hospitality, integrity, accuracy of the guide presentations, location choice and arrangements, taste of the culture and people of the land - all aspects of the trip were handled personally and with utmost care. Even when we had a travel glitch coming back (a cancelled flight in Frankfort) Good Shepherd worked with us to rebook flights and make it home together.
In my experience, this was by far the most authentic, informative Holy Land tour in which I have participated. I’ve never been disappointed by any Holy Land tour, but Good Shepherd Travel stood head and shoulders above in providing the total experience that I was seeking. I will certainly use Good Shepherd Travel for my next pilgrimage, and highly recommend them for you!
When it comes to taking the trip of a lifetime, there's no better place to go than the Holy Land. With years of experience, we help group leaders customize a trip their group is sure to love. For this group in particular, we partnered with Father Gus to create a life-changing experience of making the Scriptures come to life with each stop on the tour.
As you can see from Father Gus' testimony, their group experienced a once in a lifetime trip. Each of our Good Shepherd Travel Tours includes friendly and knowledgeable guides to educate and inspire your group along the way. Our partners in the Holy Land love what they do and it shows with the quality service they provide.
Each tour stop will allow your group to experience the Scriptures in a new way as you learn about the places you've read about in the Bible. From baptisms to churches to visiting the sites where Jesus actually walked, your group will grow in their faith and knowledge of the Scriptures.
Are you ready to experience the power of visiting the Holy Land? Good Shepherd is here to help you design a the trip of a lifetime - just like Father Gus.
Mr. Joe Madrid Lewisville, Texas March 2015
Hey Tony! I wanted to let you know that my family had an amazing time in Israel! Rami was an absolutely awesome guide, and we were lucky to have him. John and Shiraz were great too!
This has been the most memorable trip I've been on in my 31 years! I have nothing but great things to say when talking to others, and I highly recommend they visit the Holy Land.
Thank you again, and God Bless!!
Joe Madrid Jr.
Father Gabriel Ezeh Lyford, Texas June 2015
Gabriel Ezeh commented on Goodshepherd Travel's post.
June 12 2015 at 9:44pm
Awesome experience all around. The tour guide, Ramy, is amazingly so personable and wittingly knowledgeable about the culture and context of Biblical events, The driver, John is hilarious, photographer reads my mind and takes pictures at the most memorable point at the Holy sites. This whole experience has been breathtaking. My group is fun. This has to be the most fun group that has ever visited the Holy Land. Everyone is genuinely interested in the welfare of the companion pilgrim. My hats off to Tony of Good Shepherd Travel. He's ALL HEART, puro corazon, as we say in my rancho, in Lyford, Texas.
Thank you for our breathtaking experience to the Holy Land. We realized our dream, and fulfilled our spiritual drive. We arrived Saturday, 6/20/2015 and after lunch we just crashed in bed till Sunday Morning. We were exhausted. Everything flowed smoothly throughout our journey home. Then we were motor mouths when we visited family.
Once again, thank you Rami for your guiding lectures, hospitality, and generosity. Thank you Tony for the invite and the encouraging words when we were feeling dubious about our trip.
Thank you and May God Bless YOU!
Marcos and Olivia Garcia (OMG)
Marcos and Olivia Garcia (OMG)
Ms. Maria Quilantan Mata Lyford, Texas June 2015
Tony, I personally want to extend my sincere and simple thank you from the bottom of my heart because you made this pilgrimage trip possible in waiting for my payments; otherwise, I would not have gone. We built great everlasting memories to enrich our sisterhood and the awesome opportunity to visit Holy Land where Jesus was born, lived, and died. I will definitely encourage more people to visit Holy Land and how safe it is to travel. Again thank you. GOD abundantly bless you, your family and your business
Thank you Tony for making our expedition cherished and treasured memories. This experience has left profound footprints in my heart forevermore. It is like an education certificate that nobody can ever yank from my heart. I'm reading and googling a lot lately. May God open the windows, doors and floodgates of Heaven for abundant blessings to you, your family, tour business and your awesome tour personnel? Sincerely and with God's love.....Mary.
Rafie's adopted son, Shiraz! Already missing Israel. TONY, THIS MARY Q. MATA...JUST WANTED SHARE THIS PIC OF MY SISTER AND TO SHOW YOU HOW WE WERE TAKING OF DURING OUR PILGRIMAGE.
Ms. Rafi Mercedes Texas June 2015
Tony, I know we spoke when I was in Canada and I expressed to you how wonderful our trip was. Also how great your team of Rami, Shiraz, and John were to us. But, I really want to add that they will forever live in my heart. I can still hear their voices as they would call out to us or greet us on and off the bus. I hear Shiraz calling me Azizza and me yelling out Aziz across the parking lots. He gave me an arm to hold when I needed support and listened to me when I wanted to share a thought. Rami was so sweet to educate us with patience and always with a big genuine smile! He made sure we were safe and often helped me and Margaret when we needed to catch our breath or catch up speed with the others. John is such a fun guy and our dance instructor. He's a ball to have around. We love all those guys became a part of our family. My husband and children have been told how Shiraz holds a special place in my heart forever! He is truly my other son, whom I recently discovered. My sons are 46 and 35 years old and I didn't ask Shiraz his age but I feel he could be the middle son for me. I even called him Mijo (son).
Here's a picture of my children. My daughter is 47, taller one is 35 and the other is 46. Please share it with the guys, especially Shiraz. They are so grateful to him for taking care of their Mom! Many thanks to you Tony for making these pilgrimages possible, for I know how much planning each trip takes. You really keep up with the welfare of your travelers. God bless you and your wonderful family a lot! Give you lovely wife and girls a big hug from me! 😊👍👏
Please tell all the guys a BIG THANK YOU from Ms Rafie! May Our Lord bless them and protect them from harm always!
Piccola Dowling I am so glad you posted these photos. I've lost my iPad and all my pictures and videos. It was a beautiful experience, a most touching trip, and all of you in Goodshepherd Travel made the difference, your personal touch made us feel as a family while we walk the path of Christ. Thank you!
Ms. Colleen Zimmer Denver, CO April 2015
Hi Tony,
It was wonderful!!!!!!! I loved my time in the Holy Land--all of it!!!
Thank you again for everything.
Your "extended" family took such good care of us. I know that Fr. Gus was impressed and said he had never had such attention on his prior trips.
My only regret is that we don't have "on tape" all the information that Rami (our fantastic guide) gave us each day about the sites and about the history.
Thank you again, Tony, for all your help and for registering me with the State Dept after all. I will keep you and all those in Bethlehem in my prayers always.
Colleen Zimmer
Quiero expresar con poscas palabras la experiencia que mi grupo experimento en el viaje de Tierra Santa del 15 de Septiembre al 23 del mismo mes.
Fue un regalo de Dios conocer los lugares mas importante en donde Nuestro Senor Jesucristo visito en su vida en todo el pais que hoy se llama Israel. Todo el Cristiano que visita los distintos lugares de Tierra Santa, regresa con un sentimientos muy profundo de Cristo. La fe y la lectura de la Biblia es mas solida a Cerca de Jesucristo nuestro salvador y del compromiso de seguimeinto que realizo la Virgen Maria al aceptar ser madre de Jesus.
Los lugares Santos que se visita en Tierra Santa es muy seguro para todos los peregrinos. No se ve violencia de ninguna clases y las personas son muy amables con los turistas. los recidente tratan de proteger al visitante para que regrecen. Belen, Jesuzalen, El Mar de Galilea y muchos otros lugares santos viven del Turismo y se cree que es la mayor fuente de trabajo para los pobres que viven bendiento sus producto hechos a manos.
Las carreteras son muy modernas y accidente vehicolares nunca se ven. Los que viajan con pasaporte Americano son bien recividos por todos por la influencia economica que brinda los Estados Unidos a los governantes de Israel.
Los Hoteles son 5 estrellas y las comidas muy abundante. El guia y el motorista son profecionales y trata que el peregrino visite lo mas que pueda en su estadia en Tierra Santa.
La Agencia Good Shepherd Travel es la mas economica de todos las compania que envian peregrinos a Isreal. Su objetivo es mantener viva la fe Cristiana en Israel. Tambien de ayudar a los pocos familias Cristinas que sobre viven en Belen y Jesuzalen. Quiero decir que el proposito principal es de esta agencia es tambien crear una coneccion de fe y de amor con los Cristianos de Israel.
Quiero dar las Gracias a Tony y todoslos organizadores por ser posible esta experiencia inolvidable.
Atentamente.
Padre Pedro Portillo
April 27
This is an enquiry email via https://tourtheholylands.com from: Laura:
Hola!!!
Hope this email finds you and your beautiful family in the best of health! I've been so busy here at work catching up with all my work that piled up in 2 weeks!! The traveling I have to do doesn't help!:)
THANK YOU SO MUCH TONY (and staff, Rami, Shiraz, and John) for all you did!!!
I had the most humbling experience in my Lord's most Holy Land!! I've started typing my 2nd Bible (my journal) into my computer and have had to edit so much!!! First of all going through the notes and pictures I took, and then once I got into your web page I was able to add some more detail. Now I see the video yesterday, and now can go back and edit (add) more!!! I'm going to have the most beautiful story (2nd Bible) that one can have!!! And all THANKS to some wonderful people like you!!!
As I continue to carry my Cross (that you gave us) I pray for Rami to get his Visa!!, for Shiraz to remain in remission, for John that God continue to "take the wheel", and for you my dear friend to continue to spread God's message through your tour "Goodshepherd Travel".
Tony, please keep me informed on any plans on the trip to Rome!!! Once again I offer any assistance that I may be. Also, if you need a witness to speak in behalf of your service "Goodshepherd Travel" I will do so for you!! May you and your tour family continue to spread God's word with your good hospitality and service to all!!!
My Sincere thanks again!!
In my Lord's Holy Name!!
Laura
Ms. Alma Odessa, Texas April 2014
It was an unforgettable experience, once in a lifetime journey ;) I want to thank Tony's wonderful team that made this possible for all of us!
We were treated like royalty by everyone there. All the places we visited were breath taking, specially the churches!
We met people on our trip that will forever be our friends and will remain in our thoughts and heart!! Our group in this trip will forever shared those very special moments and remember in a special way the journey and exciting moments we all encounter!!
We will always and for ever share our beautiful experiences, testimonies and emotional roller-coaster we went thru in the Holy Land and nothing and nobody can take that away from us!! thank you again Tony, John, Rami, Issa and Shiraz!! For those of you thinking about going to the HOLY LAND theres no other travel agent that will treat you like family like Goodshepherd Travel!!! I recommend it 100%. A special thankz to Issa for all his hard work, for getting us the best hotels, restaurants, guides and everything else....we love yall;)
Original Testimony on Facebook here
