Testimonials
What our passengers are saying.
Hi Jennifer,
Dave and I just arrived home last night from our extension to London after the Holy Land Trip with Pastor Randy Williams. I just wanted to let you know we had a fabulous time. The people on the trip were amazing and made us feel very welcome. Our tour guide Malcolm Cartier was the best and gave us an A+ educational experience. We saw incredible sights and our open air classroom was the best place to learn about Jesus. Thank you for all your help and answering all my pre-trip questions. You must have the patience of Job. May God Bless You!
Sharon and Dave Kiesel
We recently returned home from the tour to Israel. My wife and I took the tour in 2016 to celebrate our 50th anniversary. Best choice ever, even beats out all cruises. We signed up our pastor and his wife to go with another 12 people. We were just going to be coordinating hosts to send our friends on the experience we had already taken. Well, it turns out that we joined them in hopes that they would not only enjoy the trip but renew their views on the biblical history at hand. They were not disappointed.
The trip started off with the flights on Turkish Air. The planes were clean and the food was good. No complaints there. We had the best bus(es) and best and cautious driver(s). The hotel accommodations were great choices and they had wonderful buffets with new choices that most were not used to. We all took advantage of trying new things.
Malcolm Cartier, the supreme guide of Maranatha Tours could not be better. So much detail. At each stop he would read the pertinent scripture and give us a history lesson of each site. The days were filled with much more than one could absorb. Still, without his lessons and knowledge we would be just looking at a site with nothing to compare it with. I can’t go into detail of each day without doing Malcolm’s job. You need to find out yourself. As each day is planned as per the brochure, you can look up each site yourself before going or just discover each day one at a time.
A boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, a cable car ride to Masada, floating in the Dead Sea, visiting the Western Wall, seeing King David’s Tomb, entering the Garden Tomb, walk the Via Dolorosa. Just a smidgen of what is in store for you.
Shay is my go to person who can not be beat on coordinating everything from stepping on the first flight to stepping of the final flight home. She helped me so much in hosting from my home church to signing up the new travelers. Can’t say enough about her as she goes the extra mile register even late comers before the cut-off date. If I get the chance to host a group again someday Shay will always be my go to girl. I can’t forget the extended help from Terri and Nancy who helped get things started and to help fill in the blanks when questions arise from new travelers.
To sum it up, if you’re going to take any Holy Land Tour, Maranatha is the way to go.
David & Sue Corrasa
Dear Sir,
I would like to take a moment to tell you just how excellent our tour guide, Roman Tyutnev was on my recent trip to Israel. His knowledge of the history of the Holy Land was astounding to me. He gave me an understanding of teh Holy place of the Holy Scriptures. As I traveled through, listening to him, I was amazed at how alive Jesus' day was for me. He was polite, religious, knowledgable, patient, and kept us all together, which was no easy feat. It was obvious to me that he loves the Lord and loves this land.
The tour was well planned and I am tired, but alive in the lord.
Yours Truly,
Danya Lowe
Good Afternoon Nancy,
My son, Jonathan, and I just got back from our Holy Land Tour and I am still in awe. Our guide, Foteh Mickel, was outstanding. His knowledge of the Bible, history and archeology really brought everything together and will forever change the way I read the Bible. He and our driver, Mohammed, went out of their way to make sure that we got to see everything possible during our stay. Foteh was constantly making sure we had access to sites, and then would make sure we understood the importance of the area and how it related to the Bible and history. He would also insure that everyone was OK with the terrain and make suggestions for easier footing. Rare in a guide. I would recommend Maranatha Tours to anyone. Every detail was covered. When I opened my final packet and found the lanyard included the hotel address, phone numbers and Foteh’s phone number for emergency, I told my son that ya’ll really have this down to an art. By the way, the “Whispers” are absolutely fantastic. Great way to make sure everyone can hear.
Thank you so much for a life changing experience. The memories will last a lifetime!
Elizabeth Gordon
Hello, we are the Sweats who were on the Holy Land Tour with Pastor Brian Price May 13-22
Greetings from Tennessee and many thanks for taking such good care of us when our flight to Istanbul was delayed causing us the need to stay in Turkey 2 extra nights. We were quite tired and stressed but your company turned it all into a blessing
By entertaining us you provided a service for which we are most grateful.
The tour bus and guide you provided us with did a great job showing us the beautiful city of Istanbul
with lots of historical attractions. Thanks again for your thoughtfulness. That’s why Maranatha was recommended to us and that’s why we’ll choose Maranatha for future travels.
Jerry and Jettie Sue Sweat
Jennie, we are all home safely except the Stutheit’s who remained in Italy for another week. Thank you and your staff for the excellent support in planning and supporting the recent trip to Israel and Rome. Once again, kudos goes to Malcolm. I do not believe any guide could surpass him in skills and knowledge. He was exceptional! One needs a recorder to help remember the wealth of knowledge he shared at each site.
I was glad we added the Herodian to the trip. Malcolm also made it possible to spend time at both the Dead Sea and En Gedi so everybody was pleased. He adjusted the schedule from time to time due to circumstances occurring in the Jerusalem area.
The escort in Rome was also excellent and deserves high praise. Gada went above and beyond the call of duty to serve our group. She even escorted four of our group to the Vatican while the rest of us took advantage of the free half day to enter the Colesium. She was friendly and even shared meals with us in Rome. Everybody loved and appreciated her. Because there was no porterageor guide at the airport in Rome I added that part of the tip to Gada who deserved it.
If ever I take another trip, I would definitely go with Maranatha again and would again request Malcolm. But, my body may not be up to another trip. Already, I believe some of the people who backed out of the trip now have regrets when they have heard about the trip from our members.
Thank you again.
pressing for the mark,
Syd Brestel
We just wanted to take a moment to thank you so much for making the trip of a lifetime possible! We won the drawing last year at the SBC for the free trip to Israel. We were so surprised, but thrilled/ We went in January and are still talking about it. We shared with one another the places of Jesus and the Word became even more alive to us. We will never be the same! We encourage all to sign up this year and have the chance for one of the greatest blessings they will ever experience! Thank you for offering such a precious gift. We will be forever grateful!!!!!
In Christ,
Pastor Mike and Kim Thompson
Jenni, (and Mike)
I am SO tardy in saying, “thank you,” again, for your patience in helping me tag-on to the Jordan-Israel tour with pastors Dan and Gregg and the rest of the great Palmcroft group!! I had a tremendous time and I am just blessed that I could make that trip one more time.
I wanted to also add a couple of things: I think this was my 4th trip to the Holy Land with Maranatha and I have always appreciated the good tour guides that you provided while we were in Israel or Jordan or Egypt, etc. I especially remember Malcolm; and Abed (by the way, I asked at the usual Jericho stop—gift shop and fruit/vegetable market–about Abed and was told that he is seriously ill. I guess at his home in Ramallah (?); Johnny from Nazareth; and a very nice man, a teacher, in Cairo (can’t remember his name). The two we had this time (Jordan, then Israel) were outstanding: Fadi Haddad was low key, but so knowledgeable, courteous, kind—he will remain in my memory. And George Horesh was the best I have ever heard at not only giving information but putting it in historical context. He has a broad perspective that adds so much to each place in Israel that we visited. Outstanding tour guide.
Best wishes for continued blessings for the work you do that spreads good will for all of us.
REBA
Hello, Maranatha Tours – I just returned from my 2nd trip to the Holy Land with Global Celebration (led by Georgian & Winnie Banov) arranged through Maranatha Tours & wanted to let you know how happy we were with our wonderful tour guides, Yehuda Zabari & Olga Smoldyreva. Yehuda led our tour last year, and was extremely attentive to all our needs – from tracking down luggage lost by my airline to all the practical needs of 35 people moving from place to place with great understanding of sites & relevant information, as well as inspiring personal testimony and excellent knowledge of the scriptures. This year, as our group was twice the size, we were delighted to experience Olga’s abilities as well – she, too, brings great knowledge of the sites and scriptures as well as kind & professional attentiveness to every detail of the tour. In addition, many of us noticed how well Olga and Yehuda worked together as a team – needless to say, managing a group as large & energetic as ours (72 people, 2 busloads) is no small feat, and these two guides coordinated every detail with great professionalism, ability & personal attention which contributed greatly to our joy in the Holy Land.
I wanted to let you know that, based on my experiences the past two years with Holy Land tours led by Yehuda & Olga, I would recommend them highly to any company or tour group.
Thanks for everything your staff has done to make these wonderful experiences possible for us as well!
Sincerely,
Georgina (Gina) White
Dear Greg,
My name is Wendy Moses and I took my first trip to Israel in February with Maranatha Tours. These are my favorite pictures. What an incredible experience! Malcolm was our tour guide and he was amazing! Every day he astounded us with his knowledge of the Scriptures and Israel’s history and we were left thirsting for more. I can honestly say that this was a life-changing trip and I recommend it for everyone. My Bible reading has become incredibly personal and moving as I have a deeper understanding of the passages now. I am planning another trip for 2019 and I couldn’t be more excited!
Wendy Moses & Malcolm Cartier
Dear Maranatha Tours:
My husband and I just returned last week from our Holy Land Tour with Malcom Cartier.
It was our first trip to the Holy Land and we are happy to report the trip was awesome!
I don’t know when you give out your “gold stars” but I do hope all involved with our trip, receives a bunch.
Thank you for all the extras too. That was very kind.
Blessings!
William & Katherine Murdock
I have just returned from a long awaited trip to Israel.. and was delighted that the leader was Dr R. Bryan Widbin. He shared so much knowledge (biblical, archeological and historical) with us from his life long experiences, teachings and devotion to honoring God. Our travels to see important biblical sites were foundational for a deeply moving understanding of how God has provided and lead people over the centuries. This trip expanded my understanding of daily life in Jesus’ time and opened my heart to receive more of God’s love in my own daily life. Dr Widbin gives so much of himself with a clear desire to share his passion for Israel, its people of today and of 2000 years ago. I am grateful to have had this opportunity to travel and learn from Dr Bryan Widbin
Edward A. Decker & Josephine A. Otero-Decker
Hi Jennifer and Greg,
Just want to take a moment to thank you, Greg and your entire staff for making our Israel trip a beautiful experience. This is my second trip with Maranatha and I have to say that you all have exceeded my expectations compared to other tour companies. Your pleasant communication with me and our group, administrative support and professionalism made this trip one to remember. Our entire time in Israel was not only safe, but impressive with the care we received by our guide, driver and other staff. Please extend my appreciation to Ruby and Samir for making our time memorable, filled with love and meaning for our group. We had 13 baptisms, one marriage proposal on the boat in the Sea of Galilee, many tears of love for simply experiencing Jesus in the Holy Land and people that touched our hearts.
Blessings to you and your Maranatha family for making such a beautiful difference.
Farzad
Thanks to all of you for making my trip back to Israel the best one ever. Your many kind deeds like helping me with walking up & down & all around the sights!
I made new travel Saints!
May Jesus bless you daily in you work,
Health & spreading the Gospel around the world in this generation!
Dee, you & our friend from down under kept me walking … Thanks.
Merry Christmas & a Healthy New Year!
Ann Troy
My husband and I recently joined a group visiting the Holyland with Maranatha Tours. The entire trip, from the time we stepped onto the airplane to returning seven days later was expertly organized. I must say we had reservations upon learning that our Transatlantic flight would on a Turkish airline. We needn’t have been concerned as the airline’s staff was very friendly and accommodating, the comfy seats provided ample room, and the cusine was more than one would expect. In fact, Turkish Air had received the award for the best food fare on any international airline for the past five years. Each meal was appetizingly plated (or should I say, trayed?), delicious, over-abundant, and accompanied by a selection of beverages that complemented them.
The hotels in which we stayed in Tiberias and Jerusalem, Israel, were finely appointed, roomy and comfortable, affording us fine respite from our busily intense days of touring. The buffet meals awaiting us at breakfast and dinner were bountiful and delicious with a wide variety of choices. Local grown produce was fresh and especially enjoyed.
A boat ride on the Sea of Galilee was a great choice for our first day. After a long, grueling day of air travel, it was relaxing and inspiring to think this was where Jesus calmed the storm. Visiting the Mount of the Beatitudes, Capernaum and Beit Shean were but some of the exciting places we saw this first day. It was soul-renching to be able to renew our baptismal vows in the Jordan River. Everything was nicely organized by the company at this venue, making our rededication meaningful.
There were so many special sights and rites too numerous to relate, and I’m sure each person experienced their own certain emotion in whatever was most meaningful to them. Partaking of communion on the hilltop of Mt. Scopis overlooking Jerusalem on our first entrance to the city, observing the site where the Dead Sea scrolls were found, the Mount of Olives, and the Garden of Gethsemane were among them. Perhaps most inspiring and emotional for me was seeing the cave where Jesus was born, walking the Via Dolorosa, and visiting the Garden Tomb. Walking through the rooms of the high priest, Caiphas’s palace, I discovered tears trickling down my cheeks imagining the agony and torture experienced here by Jesus. But the highlight for me was visiting the Garden Tomb where Jesus lay for three days just before His resurrection. Being served communion in the garden there was stirring to my soul and unforgettable.
This tour’s success was due in large part to our extraordinary guide. Malcolm’s biblical knowledge of the history of this area was astronomical. He brought the Bible stories to life in his captivating and descriptive telling of them. His reading of the scripture that accompanied each place we visited gave the tour a surreal effect and one could almost feel he was right there during the days of Jesus. His stories were interspersed with humor keeping all attentive and engaged. Even other guides consider Malcolm “the best” for such a tour. He had planned special “niceties” for the group such as giving each a remembrance of the “widow’s mite”, and his lengthy and complete writing of “A Word About the Holyland” booklet presented to each of us.
I can’t end this review without mentioning what a thrill it was to visit the American Embassy 6 days after its move to Jerusalem. This was not a planned part of the tour, but when all of us expressed an interest in seeing it, Malcolm arranged for it.
Returning home with innumerable, inspiring experiences we will find ourselves taking pause as we frequently think back to having walked where Jesus walked, visiting many of the places where he lived, preached, performed miracles, and finally died on the cross to save all believers.
Thank you, Maranatha, for the unmatchable experience you gave us.
Sincerely,
Dale and Marianne Thoen
“I really gained insight from our your last March. The related scriptures became vivid, and, as our host said, I’ll never see the Bible the same way again!
Jim Hundley
Dear Maranatha Tours,
We just wanted to mention our appreciation to Maranatha Tours that we are very satisfied with our 10 Day Tour of Jordan and The Holy Land. We are grateful for Tareq (in operations) and Rami (our tour guide) in Jordan. They did a terrific job in making the first part of our tour a success.
We also want to extend further recognition and appreciation for our Israel tour guide Foteh Mickel on our first Holy Land tour. With Foteh’s ; knowledge, love and respect of bible scripture, Holy Land and local Christian community; Ability to manage a VERY diverse (and sometimes difficult) group; respect for the overall Maranatha agenda. He fulfilled every detail beyond our expectations.
By knowing the right times to visit certain places (so we wouldn’t wait in line for hours) Foteh’s time management skills and professional attitude allowed us to learn so much while being spiritually enlightened more than we could possibly imagine. Thank you Foteh for making this not just a tour but a TRUE pilgramage.
We are very grateful for a positive and memorable experience.
Respectfully,
Scott and Nancy Blackwood
Nashville, TN