You’ve seen it in her eyes—the woman who’s served the rest of us for so long, she’s running on empty.
Imagine stopping her in the hallway and whispering in her ear. “Sister, you need a rest. And you’re going to love the place I’ve found for you.”
This is the vision of New Song Sanctuary: a sacred space where healing feels not just possible, but inevitable. A place where the spirits of our sisters can breathe. A time apart with God in his creation, to reflect, recharge, and reconnect to the inner song that arises in quiet places.
A Christ-Centered Retreat for Renewal and Transformation
Tucked deep among the wooded hollows of Oklahoma’s Ozark Plateau, New Song Sanctuary will offer the following services:
Private cabins
Scenic hiking trails for reflection and exercise
Books and other media to support spiritual renewal
A prayer chapel
Nutritious shared meals with other guests
Periodic small-group retreats focused on particular challenges Christian women face
Access to professional counselors
Several retreat cabins are accepting guests now, with more to come. Trail construction is in the early stages. Your support will determine the timeline for the next phases of the project.
Our Cabins
BEAR'S DEN
Creekside Cabin
Owl's Nest
Your Sisters Need You
Your generosity gives a lifeline to women facing overwork, burnout, or serious crises and conflicts:
Too often, Christian women feel invisible and unheard. Your support will help restore their hope and show them they matter and are seen by the Lord
Stories of Renewal and Impact
"So much is expected of women: to be strong capable wives and mothers, have a career, hold everything together for everyone in the family. After domestic abuse and the loss of my church and support system, I was devastated. My greatest healing came from retreats and time with God. New Song Sanctuary has a beautiful and invaluable mission to provide a place for this."
Cathryn Couzens, Connecticut
"As someone who advocates for and provides counseling for victims of domestic abuse, New Song Sanctuary is what many women need to find rest and relief. Gwendolyn Hertzler’s loving care, attention to detail, and provision for hurting women is a gift of God—an extension of His heart. New Song Sanctuary meets a very real need."
"I have personally experienced Gwen’s New Song Sanctuary. I spent almost a whole week there, and it was such a balm to my weary soul! The peace and quiet of the 'hundred-acre wood,' with a stream bubbling past my cabin, the well-stocked supply of breakfast and other foods, the marvelous hot tub, and all the extra special little touches made my stay absolutely perfect! I went home refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to face my stressful life again."
Julia Brubaker, Raymond, Alberta
"In a time when there was no familiarity or comfort from outside circumstances, your place provided refuge. My children and I were hidden away under His wings, literally—a hummingbird came and sang over me! I felt God show up in a way that would have been hard to experience in any other place. I’m convinced His creation is His greatest ministry to our hurting. Getting away from the noise and busyness of the city allowed me to clearly hear His answer to my question—'What’s next for me?'"
ANonymous
What You Can Do Now
Give
Volunteer
By volunteering on construction and other work projects, you become the hands and feet of Jesus to serve Christian women. The kind of work that needs done will change over time, so check back now and then to stay up to date.
Current needs:
Together, we will help Christian women find the rest, renewal, and purpose they desperately need.
People Behind the Ministry
Gwendolyn Hertzler
Gwendolyn Hertzler, the founder of New Song Sanctuary, knows the struggles of burnout, betrayal, and loss firsthand. As a mother of 12, she has spent years walking alongside women in their most difficult seasons. Her journey of finding healing and strength inspired her to create this sanctuary, where women can experience God’s peace and restoration. For over six years, Gwen has provided safe, welcoming retreats for Christian women to recover their purpose and identity. Now she’s inviting you to bring this gift to many more.
Lyndon Risser
Lyndon lives in Lebanon, PA, and attends Joy Christian Fellowship. He is passionate about investing in platforms that will contribute to the spiritual success of his children and their generation to deliver on the Great Commission wherever they are called. After 45 years in business, he now runs Coaching for Clarity, where he inspires leaders to discover their created purpose to make God smile. Lyndon serves as an advisor to the board.
Judy Beachy
Judy regularly speaks at women's retreats, girls' camps, and other women's ministries. She has been actively involved in support and care for survivors of sexual abuse since 2005 after she received training through the Institute of Biblical Counseling International. In 2017, God dramatically shifted her focus to survivors of domestic abuse and coercive control. She completed the training courses offered through Called to Peace Ministries and is now an affiliated advocate with this organization.
Rosetta Nissley
With many years of experience working in accounting, Rosetta finds satisfaction in seeing everything balance out. She believes life should balance too, between seasons on life’s battlefield and seasons to rest and recharge. Rosetta loves New Song Sanctuary’s invitation to find rest and balance, especially for those in painful situations.
Todd Glenn
Todd calls the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia his home. He served for many years as an elementary school teacher, and more recently began serving as a financial advisor for individual investors and small businesses. Todd loves to help people thrive and is overjoyed to be a part of New Song Sanctuary. In his free time, he enjoys time with his wife, Kim, four children, three children-in-law, and his fourteen grandchildren. He enjoys astronomy, baking, soapmaking, and is a shark in his favorite game: Acquire.
Todd Pratt
Todd and his wife, Rita, from Northern Indiana have raised four boys and one girl. Their passion is reaching the least, the last, and the lost, working with those in addiction recovery through Bible studies, mentoring and support. They also help the homeless in downtown Fort Wayne, meeting their material and spiritual needs by building relationships with them. They are also active in their local church, and they believe the love between believers is the best testimony to the power of Christ. Todd and Rita believe everyone deserves to know that someone cares and that they matter. They are excited to be part of New Song Sanctuary, share God’s love, and watch His plan unfold.
Your Generosity Can Change Lives
Contact New Song Sanctuary
To learn more about New Song Sanctuary or find out how to get involved, call us at 918-619-3347 or email us using the form.
Mailing Address:
New Song Sanctuary
PO Box 1
Oaks, OK 74359
Phone: 918-619-3347
How to Give: Click "Give" below to send a gift online or mail a check to the address above, payable to New Song Sanctuary.
