Your Sister Needs a Rest. You Could Be God’s Answer to Her Prayers.

Partner with New Song Sanctuary to give Christian women the healing and renewal they’ve been missing too long.

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.

Ask About Current Needs

Your Sisters Need You

Your generosity throws a lifeline to women facing overwork, burnout, or serious crises and conflicts:

Mothers, wives, and other caregivers who are physically and emotionally drained after spending years thinking only of the needs of others
Women struggling to find God’s perspective on a difficult family relationship
Women seeking a sense of identity and purpose in the wake of a major loss or life transition
Survivors of betrayal and infidelity who need space to recover, sort through their emotions, and navigate their future

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

Give

Sponsor a stay: Your gift of any size empowers New Song Sanctuary to welcome Christian women of all income levels regardless of their ability to pay.
Buy tools and equipment: Help purchase the tools and equipment needed to build and maintain cabins, trails, bridges, and other facilities.
Sponsor a counselor: Cover the cost of professional Christian counseling for women who can’t afford it otherwise.
Items Needed:

Small counseling haven (portable building with display screen and wifi)
4 trail bridges
Polywood outdoor seating for trails and overlooks
Trail signs
8'X12' small prayer chapel and site prep
3 4'X4' tiny prayer booths on trails
Large commercial washer and dryer (and install)
New Song entrance fence and gate
New Song entrance sign
Property-wide networking for communication and safety alerts
Communal Storm Shelter
Backhoe
ATV with trailer
Materials to upgrade existing 60X40 steel truss building for events
Paving materials, prep, and application for main driveway

Volunteer and Equip

I Want to 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:

Christians with leadership or organizational experience who share the vision and would be willing to serve on the board of directors
Counselors or funds to hire them for guests
Volunteers to open the next mile of prayer trail and maintain existing trails
Landscapers willing to consult and/or install gardens and other features
A crew to raise the existing Creekside Cabin and add supports and a porch

Together, we will help Christian women find the rest, renewal, and purpose they need.

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."

Sydney Millage, MABC, founder of Clarity in Action Ministries

"I was so excited to hear about Gwen's New Song Sanctuary, because I know her heart for struggling women and her wisdom to help them. New Song will be an oasis in the wilderness for many, and a place of healing for weary souls."

Joy Forrest , founder of Called to Peace Ministries

People Behind the Ministry

Founder

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.

Board of Directors

Todd Pratt

Board Chairman

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.

Todd Glenn

Treasurer

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.

Judy Beachy

Secretary

Judy and her family live in northern Indiana. 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. She is now an affiliated advocate with Called to Peace Ministries and a full-time student.

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.

You Know Who You Are

Donors, Ambassadors, Volunteers, and Prayer Supporters

You may be praying. You may be rallying the troops for the next workday. You may be spreading the word. You may be sacrificing money, supplies, equipment, or time. You may simply be cheering on the other workers. Whoever you are, you are God's wind in our sails. Every sister who stays at New Song Sanctuary has you to thank for the blessing she receives. Your dedication will not be in vain.