“Over the past decade, leading the study semesters in the Middle East for Eastern Mennonite University, I have come to appreciate the outstanding skills of Glenn Edward Witmer to interpret the complexities of Jerusalem and the region with a deep sense of justice, the richness of Judaism with appreciation, the biblical sites and stories with passion and insight. This is a rare combination in the Middle East. 
     Glenn inspires, informs, and challenges young and old alike. With his extensive network of trusted relationships in Israel/Palestine, he puts our students in touch with leading voices from many perspectives that help give understanding and empathy to all of the descendants of Abraham.”

     “I co-led a tour to Israel/Palestine with Glenn in April/May 2009, which he organized and guided. I found him to be an excellent tour organizer. From the outset he carefully listened to my goals and requests for the tour and made every effort to incor-porate them into the itinerary. He handled all aspects of planning the tour efficiently, even when some unexpected small glitches came up. He made all the practical arrangements for us and they were most appreciated by everyone on the tour.
     Glenn is also a unique guide in that he has the most amazing range of personal contacts in Israel/Palestine that he can draw on to meet and hold events with tour members. 
     I was very much impressed with his knowledge of the land and its history; he has a wonderful ability to teach the Bible in the context of the Holy Land, a subject he is passionate about. He is also deeply knowledgeable about the life of the people living in the Holy Land today, both Israeli and Palestinian. During our tour we learned much about the Israel-Palestinian situation, and the often harsh realities that the people live with. 
     Glenn also cares tremendously about the life of the church in the Holy Land today in both Israel and Palestine. To anyone who is interested in visiting the Holy Land, I would recommend Glenn wholeheartedly. He is a gifted teacher, a superb guide, and a generous and kind human being.”

     “Glenn is a wonderful, capable tour guide!  With ten years of experience in Israel/Palestine, an excellent knowledge of the Hebrew Bible, and a thorough acquaintance with the geography and sites of the land, he skillfully tells the biblical stories with warmth, insight, and challenge. To study the Scriptures on site with Glenn is indeed an unusual, inspiring, life-changing experience that we highly recommend.” 

     “Glenn, a student of the biblical text and biblical land, is immeasurably qualified to introduce you to the land of the Bible. Glenn’s classroom is the Land, and the textbook is the Bible. Biblical history and geography come alive! When you have toured with him or studied his course, you will read your own Bible with new insights and understanding. He will also introduce you to the living reality of the biblical land and its peoples—you will hear experiences in their own words.
     Glenn offers a wealth of information from many perspectives, then reminds you you’ve only scratched the surface. He inspires you with devotional meditations and inspirational commentaries along the way.”

     “Touring Israel/Palestine with Glenn is an experience in politics, geo-graphy, human struggle, and above all, biblical interpretation. Glenn’s many personal connections made it possible for us to have a Shabbat meal with an Israeli family as well as to be overnight guests in a Palestinian home, giving us glimpses into their separate realities. Having on-site experiences with CPTers (Christian Peacemaker Teams) added another significant insight into the ongoing Israeli/Palestinian conflict and the efforts to address it.
     Glenn’s reading and interpretation of the Scriptures by the Sea of Galilee or the Jordan River, in Nazareth or Bethlehem, or in various sites throughout our journeys, brought the words to life, putting them in their historical setting as well as giving them contemporary meaning. His teachings have given Jesus’ teachings and his Jewish heritage new meaning.
     Glenn’s enthusiasm and knowledge made this trip much more than a holiday excursion, turning it into an educational and spiritually renewing experience as well.  (Which may explain why I am about to embark on a third trip under his leadership: The Book of Acts Tour to Italy & Greece/Greek Islands.)”

     Who one knows can be as important as what one knows, and this was never clearer than in our recent visit to the Holy Land with Glenn. I came to the Holy Land with an interest in both the historical and the present situation – Glenn’s wide range of personal contacts, both Israeli and Palestinian, and his eagerness to introduce us to the tough contemporary political and faith issues, made him an invaluable and exceptional guide.
     He reads the geography in terms of the Bible, and his Bible as a preacher. More than any prepared introductions I appreciated especially his ability to “call up” passages and Biblical details relating to areas we were visiting in answer to impromptu questions.     It is here, “off-script”, that he is the strongest.
     There is no doubt that for our host this work is vocation and not job: it became abundantly clear to our group that Glenn has both the land and its different peoples in his heart. That makes all the difference.