Dear Brother Elisha,

Boker Tov!

I must take this opportunity to thank you and Heavenly Tours for all you have done for our recent trip to the Holy Land and Egypt.  It was a wonderful trip.  Although I had been to the Holy Land in 1995, I'm glad I returned because I had forgotten some things, and other sites had changed somewhat.  The tour guide and bus driver were wonderful, the accommodations were great, and the food was wonderful!  We thank these gentlemen particularly for the love and kindness they extended to everyone, particularly the children on the tour. 

Every site was great; yet, there were two places that touched me more spiritually: the baptism in the Jordan River and the Holy Communion Service in the Garden.  The peace in those two places was amazing.  For all the media promotion of discord and death, this tour provided an entirely different experience for me and the other members of the tour.

The tour of Egypt was awesome as well.  Some of us were taken aback by the aggressive Egyptians trying to sell so many things.  Some merchants would not take "No" for an answer.  However, the sites were magnificent.  We all agreed that we needed to take more time in Egypt next time. 

Jan was a great asset to the trip.  We cannot thank her enough for her help and support.  We love her and miss her already. 

Thank you again for everything. 

God bless you richly! 
Pastor/Teacher Cheryl Mayes
Church of God - Amazing Grace Ministries

Dear Elisha and Merle,

Thanks once again for another great trip with your company, this time to Italy. As you both know, this was my third tour with Heavenly Tours. Wow, they seem to just get better and better. I can not begin to explain just how much I appreciate all you do for the people on your tours. To move that many people from one place to another and for it all to work so smoothly is a gift and you make it look so easy. The meals in Italy were five stars, the tour guides five stars and the sites five stars. Do I need to say more? One thing that always makes me sad is when the trips are over. I love all the people that helped to make my trip very special every time I go with you. Thank you so very much.

God Bless,
Bonnie Prince

Hi Elisha and Merle,

During this Thanksgving season, we would like to thank you for the wonderful trip to Italy. Everybody was friendly and we enjoyed eating and writing with them. Your organization and selection of restaurants and excursions was excellent. It superceded what we had expected.

We are very happy that we went on this tour and are expressing that to all of our friends.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving Day.

Carl and Kathy Reginfelder

Dear Elisha,

Dear Elisha and Merle,

The tour of Israel will always be one of the highlights of my life.  You were absolutely right.  Our guide, Moshe, had to be one of the best. I learned so much.  I am blessed to have been in Israel.  Now I pick up my Bible, read  (I'm reading through starting Genesis this year and just finished Joshua to Ruth) and say to myself, "I know where that is.  I've been there!
Thanks again from a satisfied customer.

Sandy Kemp

Thanks for the unbelievable tour of The Holy Land.  I came back a different person, The Bible reading is much more meaningful, and I had so much fun!!  My husband is WITH JESUS, I had the opportunity to be where Jesus was born, lived, taught, was crucified and resurrected.  How great is that!!

In Christian love, with prayer,
Sylvia Muscavitch

Dear Elisha and Merle,

Priscilla and I surely enjoyed our Israel tour, though it took us a week to recover from jet lag! I enclose a resume’ of what I remember. We will consider another trip, but probably not in ’09. Priscilla is part Gypsy, I think, for she saves her Social Security money and periodically says to me “Let’s go!” We’ve been to Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, Bahamas, Alaska, and 37 of the 48 continental United States. In addition, Ken visited several foreign ports while a US Navy sailor in 1960-’64.

  My early childhood was somewhat like yours, Elisha. I was born and raised in a town of 20 families in New Hampshire. My Dad was a woolen mill worker in the 1940s and 50s. Working to support a wife and 8 children took so much of his time that I saw little of him. Then, when I was age 10, he was laid-off from the mill, which closed, and he became a “handyman” in the area, with his two eldest sons Rodney and Kenny (me) often “pitching in” to help. It was “tough-sledding” from then on. We became poor, but we children didn’t know it, for we had enough. We raised most of our food, and enjoyed games of marbles, baseball, ice skating, etc., so we were plenty busy. Summer Saturdays Rod and I would often walk five miles to town to enjoy Saturday afternoon movie matinee for 25 cents, then collect pop bottles beside the highway to sell at 2 cents each, so we could go again. I’m a Vietnam vet, so I know something about danger.

Thanks for being great hosts!  

Sincerely,
Ken Barker

March 15, 2008

Elisha & Merle,

Thanks so much for once again organizing and providing us with another great trip to the Holy Land.  In addition, the Farewell Dinner was fabulous.  Thank you also for encouraging us to choose the Kfar Blum for our stay in Galilee.  It was great and, also, a privilege to see the place in which you grew up.

Our group was thrilled with the trip!  They had no complaints whatsoever.  They were extremely complimentary about everything and said it was "more than they expected".

Thank you again for your hard work on behalf of our group.  It is a pleasure working with you.

Shalom,

Pastor Don & Jan

Hi Elisha,

Shalom from an Israel/Petra traveler from Brown Deer United Methodist Church. We had an awesome trip!!!! It was fantastic and I would love to go back some day. I feel it was more of an overview of the country. I really want to go back and slow down and spend more time taking it all in. I know in a tour group it is necessary to go, go, go. I did like that, but I would like to go again and slow things down. My daughter and I just had the best time. I am so glad that we experienced it together. Petra was wonderful. I am SO glad that you made the arrangements for us to have another night there. It would have been a real disappointment not to have had the full time there. We were able to experience "Petra by Night". It was a walk by candle light through Petra. We had a small concert by Bedouin musicians. Excellent experience. THANK YOU THANK YOU.

I am also so unhappy about the recent violence in Jerusalem. I feel such a close association after only having been there for 12 days. There was not a moment when I felt unsafe or in harms way while I was in Israel. We were treated so kindly and felt so welcome. It is unimaginable that such violence and hatred can exist in such a warm and beautiful place.

Thank you for taking the time to plan such a meaningful and wonderful experience.

Carol Burgoyne

Shalom my friend. Thanks for the memorable time in Italia. I don't know how you do it. So much for the money! The restaurants, the entertainment, the great tour guides, etc. I got much more for the money than I paid. It surpassed what I have expected. I'll never forget you or the people I spent time with in Italia, the great restaurants, food and everything. You are the greatest my friend!

John Edwards

Elisha & Merle,

Corey and I wanted to express our gratitude to Heavenly Tours for a wonderful trip to Italy.  We had such a fabulous time, saw so many things, stayed in fantastic hotels and ate in the nicest restaurants.  Everyone on the tour was so friendly.  It was like we had known them all for years.

Elisha and Merle, the tour leaders, were kind enough to remarry us in a very special, Jewish wedding ceremony.  This truly made our whole trip.  Heavenly Tours did several special things for people traveling with this tour.  Everyone seemed to have such a wonderful time. We will definitely be traveling with Heavenly Tours in the future.  Thank you for such a special second honeymoon!

Hello friends at Heavenly Tours,

It has been a while. Wondering how you are all doing. I have been so supremely blessed on all my trips to Israel & by your professionalism that I just wanted to shout a real big THANK YOU!!!

Rev. Roger Dewar

November 19, 2007

Hi Elisha,

We had a tremendous time in Israel. Danny Levy was great and very patient. The accommodations were wonderful and all went well!  Thank you for all the arrangements. The weather was perfect. Bethlehem was tense, but we are glad we went there. Everyone seemed pleased and satisfied from the tour. Thanks again and God's blessings,

Sonja Hinderlie

Elisha and Merle,

Thank you for the opportunity to travel to the Holy Land with the two of you. It was awesome and very moving. I can't wait to go again. Also Elisha the chance to meet your sister Ruth and your daughter. You are all such beautiful people. Elisha, everything was so well taken care of. You do an awesome job taking care of your travelers. You have a way of personalizing a trip.

God Bless,
Deb Geiger

December 5, 2006

Dear Elisha:

Shalom!

It has been almost a month since we returned form our Israel tour, and we are still basking in the wonderful memories. There were 49 people in our group, and each one has had his life impacted in a profound way.

This was the fifth time that I traveled with a group from Heavenly Tours, and the fourth time being group leader. This trip was the best ever. Once again we enjoyed working with you and all the special touches you added to make the trip unique and menaningful. Your knowledge of the country is unsurpassed. The farewell dinner was delightful and impressive with Raphael Ben Hur from the Department of Tourism bringing greetings and sharing his insights.

With the excellent guides you choose and the Scriptures and other helps you provide, you make it easy to lead a group. I believe any pastor could do so and have a successful trip.

We look forward to traveling with you in the future!

Sincerely,
Jerry Brooks

Dear Elisha and Merle,

I want to again thank you for the wonderful experiences you provided March 5 – 14, 2007 tour. Not only did I experience Israel, but I experienced the presence of God and my Mom in Israel. You see, on March 5, 2006 , my Mom passed away.  I never had any interest in going to Israel, but somehow I was lead to the Holy Land on Mom's spiritual life anniversary.  Yes I had some difficult days during the trip, but our Great God renewed my Faith,  by guiding me through the Holy Land with the awesome sights, prayers and new friends we've made.  Pastors Greg and Tim were so supportive.  We were blessed to have 5 pastors on the trip!My friend Dorothy and I have been telling everyone of our experiences and have had several requests for future trips. 

Please give Yuval my regards - he was incredible!  The best tour guide I have ever had. My friend Dorothy and I have been telling everyone of our experiences and have had several requests for future trips. 

God Bless you - Shalom,
Jeanne Bauer

April 6, 2007

Dear and good friend Elisha,

You were wonderful at worship last evening!
There were many positive comments made as the people were leaving the meetinghouse. You made a very good impression on everyone and they appreciated all that you said.

May you have wonderful holidays. I will never forget you comparing Passover to our celebration of Thanksgiving which is my favorite holiday!

Sincerely,
Karl

Elisha,

Thanks so much for the amazing tour... You and Merle are great hosts and gracious people. I will never forget the memories that have been made on this trip and I hope that you will continue to be successful in blessing people with your tours.

Thanks again!
Nathan Miller

March 20, 2007

I wanted to send you a note of appreciation for the well-planned tour to Israel that I was privileged to be a part of this month. Every detail was taken care of for us, and just the fact that the owners of Heavenly Tours International would accompany our group was such a blessing and honor!

One of the highlights of the tour was the time spent at Kfar Blum. What a truly peaceful place! Pastoral is the perfect name for it. Thank you, Elisha for allowing us a glimpse fo your childhood spent there. I think we all fell in love with the man that little boy grew up to be.

Our little group from Litchfield, Illinois will be whole-heartedly promoting your next tour. It truly is one-of-a-kind, and the best of the best!

My God richly bless you both as you contine to introduce many thousands more to the beauty and history and heritage of the Holy Land. It certainly has been of the biggest blessings of my life!

Shalom! ...and much love,
Charlotte Lowe

Yes, we went to the Holy Land with Heavenly Tours in November 2005. Wonderful trip!! We had also gone to Alaska with them and to Turkey right after 9/11/01, of all things!! Elisha & Merle Ben Yitzhak of Heavenly Tours run perfectly and marvelous group tours, and you can't go to The Holy Land without Elisha & Merle!! Elisha was born in a Kibbutz in Israel where we stayed for 3 nights on our tour!!

Maude-Ruth

11/18/2006

Dear Merle & Elisha,

Where do I begin to thank you both for a trip of a lifetime to Israel? Paul and I so enjoyed every moment and iw was all so well planned and executed. I have still been writing in my wonderful Holy Land book that you gave us - we share memories daily and I know we will continue to do so. If I forget what we did on a certain day, Paul remembers or visa versa! We loved the Kibbutz experience and our personal long walk along the Jordan River as the sun set; the food was superb as well as the service and I truly love the Spa experience. The highlight was the Sea of Galilee boat trip and the gospel hymns we sang as well as communion in the Garden - actually many highlights! So many to treasure. We are grateful we have seen Israel and walked where our savior walked - it was a privilege! Thank you both for making it so outstanding and special!

Fondly,
Holly and Paul

11/10/2006

Dear Merle & Elisha,

Shalom -

What a wonderful time we all had together! Thank you for all of the caring effort you put into making our tour such a success. I want to sincerely thank you for the olive wood carving of the praying hands. It is right in front of me in my office where I will see it every day and remember our time together. It is a beautiful gift.

Until next time,
Sue L.

Dear Merle & Elisha,

Upon looking back on our recent tour that you provided, we are so blessed that we were able to take the trip. The tour was wonderful, and thank you for putting everything together for us. Also, thank you for the birthday cake. That was very special.

May God richly bless you and your business,
Tom & Betty Sabatino (Mama Mia)

Thank you both

For the wonderfully planned journey through Israel. The experience was a great opportunity and was deeply appreciated by me, and I am sure by all on the trip.

Weldon

12/14/2006

Dear Merle & Elisha,

I wanted to express my gratitude for everything you and Heavenly Tours did to make my recent trip to Israel so special. From the earliest pre-meetings and information packets to the arrival back in Milwaukee, everything was seamless, well organized and well managed. Your attention to detail allowed me to focus on the wonder of Israel without ever having to think about the logistics. (As an event marketing professional, not having to focus on the details & logistics made this a true vacation!)

As to the wonder of Israel - it is truly amazing. The mix of history, spirituality, scenery, culture, religion, politics and people make Israel a very unique and special place. Our guide, Yuval, was wonderful! His knowledge and ability to communicate brought all of the unique characteristics of Israel to light and helped me to better understand not only my spiritual roots but also some of the more recent history and turmoil in the country. He also did a great job of coralling our group and always with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. I am very glad that Yuval was our guide!

Once again, thank you very much for all your planning and attention to detail - this was a trip I will never forget and will treasure always.

Sincerely,
Ann W. Janikowsky

11/16/2006

My Testimonial of the Holy Land Tour
October 30 - November 8, 2006

Not only did I experienced Israel, but experienced the presence of God in Israel. The overwhelming sites and the biblical scenes revived me and renewed my faith.

How could I ever forget His sweet presence warming my heart while I sang praises to my King standing in the boat in the Sea of Galilee? The waters rocked the boat in silent praise and my soul found rest!

How can words describe walking into the waters of the Jordan River?  There, I experienced the most incredible feeling of intimacy with God.  In a moment I felt His touch and His love all at once and I just wanted to love Him back.  The words “I am my beloved and my beloved is mine” became my words.  The moment will be forever part of me…. profound…. sacred.  My beloved took my breath away! 

From this moment on my heart dictated my actions.  The indescribable feeling of wonder, the desire to worship and adore my Lord was not to be denied.  I am so grateful that the next stop provided me with the opportunity to do just that while I sang “How Great is My God”… for all will see how great is my God!  Peace covered and surrounded me like a blanket and I fell to my knees in adoration. 

The sights of Massada recount the magnificence and splendor of nature blended with history, the Dead Sea telling a story of its own….  Yet, nothing compares to the feeling of finally seeing Jerusalem.  My heart burned within me.  Seeing the streets of Jerusalem by night, bursting with the emotions of the Shabbat… people coming and going, families by the hand… children running…. The Wailing Wall surrounded by women of all ages chanting, praying, their bodies rocking back and forth.  I took it all in and I hurt for them and for those lost in the darkness.  As I receded from the Wall, walking backwards in reverence of the moment…, I prayed for peace and I was thankful for receiving the Messiah.

Walking into the Upper Room and feeling God’s power was one and the same.  God’s power and anointing shook my very being.  His Word given to us as we stood there reminded me of promises that will come to pass.  With tears running down my face, my lips spoke His language…just as He had promised… His power and manifestation are evident 2,000 years later.

Bethlehem made me sort of sad.  For in the little place of Bethlehem I smelled religiosity.  I know His humble birth and I am thankful for my heart is truly His manger.  Later, as I stood worshiping in St. Anne’s Church, my name took a new meaning, for according to tradition Ana was Mary’s mother.  Sitting in a rustic bench we sang Halleluyah! And once again my heart busted in gratitude.  As I remained seating there a prayer was born from deep within my heart for my friends and family back home… and I smiled as me and God shared a secret….

Walking the streets of Old Jerusalem, watching the people rushing by their ordinary day, made me part of their history.  Down the Via Dolorosa,  I was in awe as I walked through the city gates where my Lord walked 2,000 years ago.  Just as Psalm 125 says:  “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forever”.  His promise is mine!

Standing up in the Mount of Olives, overlooking the city of Jerusalem, I joined Him as I wept in a cry for mercy for His people.   The magnificent view clouded by my tears, a sob breaking deep within me.

How special and fitting was to end our tour at the Empty Tomb.  I wanted to laugh and dance of joy for the Tomb is empty. This time I had tears of joy and while I sat by myself outside the tomb I sang:  “My chains are gone, I’ve been set free.  My God, my Savior has ransomed me.  And like a flood, His mercy reigns, unending love…. Amazing grace….” There I confessed once more my love for Him as I shared communion and remembered all He has done for me.  His sweet voice within my heart promising me a new beginning, He is my place of rest.  In what other way can I thank Him, but to lay my life at His feet in total surrender?

Annie Lopez

11/19/2006

Dear Merle & Elisha,

This is the second opportunity we have had to tour with you and the second primo experience. 

The combination of Merle, Elisha, our two pastors, Karl and Sue and the extremely experienced guide, Yuval gave us a wonderful mix of culture, history and religion. Your knowledge, planning and organization skills were evident in how smoothly everything was handled. The Holy Land now has a more profound and special meaning to us.

Thank You for making this special experience possible.

Best Regards,
Linda & Doug Nie

11/13/2006

I began looking into going back to the Holy land a year ago. I had made one trip with heavenly tours in 1998. It was perfect than and it was perfect now. I tried and tried to find a touring company that could offer me More for Less. It just was not out there. From start to finish, Elisha took care of everything and if you are like me , you need that.The airline's he works with is the safest in the industry, the tour guide was knowledgeable in Jewish history , Israel history and yet he even knew my Christian history. He was amazeing.The bus was so clean and comfortable. The bus driver never ever made us feel afraid and the places we went were totally safe and comfortable.The food and hotels were out of this world. Fabulous is all I can say about them. I could never get so much on one tour as I did with Elisha and his wife Merle. From the time I got off the plane in Israel until we began our trip back to the states I felt totally Safe,Pampered ,and my every need was taken care of .So please, book with Heavenly Tours, it is not just a travel company, it is a man and a wife who love serving people, giving value for the dollar spent and who will do everything possible to make your dream of going to the Holy Land a Dream come true, just as they have mine, TWICE. Thank you again, Elisha and Merle.

Shalom,
Bonnie Prince
Huntsville, Alabama

10/30/2006

Dear Elisha and Merle:

Happy New Year! May God's blessings be yours in abundance in the coming year.

I was thinking about our years together, and realized how many times you have blessed me. So many extras. Like letting me stay in Jerusalem for extra days at the King Solomon (their staff was very kind to me). I have so many happy memories of our times together. Also of Israel. I get homesick for all the precious people I have known there.

I know there are many more examples of your love and consideration, but just wanted to mention a few, and let you both know I love you! Also it has been a blessing to get to know some of your families. I do hope they are all doing well - you too!

Shalom, and blessings,
Love,

Mary Bates

6/1/2006

Dear Elisha & Merle -

Thank you so very much for planning such a wonderful trip to Greece for Spring Creek Church. We enjoyed every minute of this once-in-lifetime vacation. The special attention you give to all the details was quite evident to the both of us. Hopefully, we'll be able to join you again for some future date. Several people at Northwestern Mutual asked me for your address.

Gerrie & Doug Dunning

Dear Elisha and Merle,

What an absolutely wonderful vacation! It was so nice having everything taken care of for you. We didn't have to worry about a thing. You took care of everything from the wake up calls to the dinner reservations and everything in between. You did an outstanding job. It truly was a vacation. We had a great time. It was unbelievable to visit all the places we've read about in the Bible. We're looking forward to the trip to Israel next year. Thank you again for putting together such an excellent trip.

Gary & Cheryl Schellhaas

1/7/2006

Dear Elisha and Merle,

A rather late but nevertheless the same huge thank you for putting together the wonderful trip to the Holy Land this past November. The trip was a dream come true for me and will have a lasting impact on me.

It must have been a tremendous project to put it all together, and everything seemed to happen without glitches.

The most sincere thanks to you both.

Mary Ann Sindilar

12/13/2005

Dear Elisha & Merle,

I just want to thank you for the most wonderful tour of Israel and Jerusalem.

I am still relating my experiences to my co-workers and friends who are very interested in knowning what my trip was like.

The events that stand out in my mind include our trip on the Sea of Galilee and the fish lunch; the Mt. of Beatitudes when Michael Dudley read the Beatitudes to us followed by Yuval reading them in Hebrew. Closing my eyes I could imagine it was Jesus speaking. The children's memorial to Uziel was a very moving and touching experience.

Your testimony, Elisha, about your ancestors and the Holocaust touched my heart.

And Merle, your joy in wanting it to be a special party the last day - your efforts were appreciated.

The mini services conducted by Michael & Tim were very special no matter where they were held - including the Garden of Gethsemane.

Yuval was a fantastic guide. His knowledge of the sites and the Bible (Old & New Testmaent) was tremendous as was the fact that he lived in Israel and was a member of the service so that his information was first-hand and authentic.

Our bus driver DaVed was so very friendly & personable. Thank you for persuading him & Yuval for our trip.

Our group was so very cohesive too. That made a great difference.

Thank you for your efforts and planning for making this a very memorable tour of The Holy Land.

God Bless You,
Janet Warner

March 22, 2004

Dear Elisha & Merle:

I was just getting ready to send you an E-Mail when your E-mail arrived. We have been busy getting back to Wisconsin's speed and reminiscing about all of the things we did in Italy just a few short days ago.

Norma and I had a wonderful time, and enjoyed the company of everyone on the tour. They have all seemed to enjoy the itinerary and we didn't hear of any complaints from anyone. Thank you so much for including us in this tour. The 400 photos we took in Italy will no doubt serve as a reminder for this memorable tour.

Take Care,

Jim and Norma Frink.