CAROL SHETLER/The Luminary (left-right) Holly Markel, Tonya Huston, Leah (King) Way and IdaMay Hornberger are united in an effort to establish in this area, the Legacy Healing Ranch to aid battered women and children. At the Lycoming County Fair Grounds on July 31, the group participated in the Fierce Love for Children event.

MUNCY – A group of spiritual sisters in Christ have banded together, forming Legacy Healing Ranch Ministries which is to be a sanctuary for abused women and children to heal, grow and flourish in a safe, loving and grace filled environment.

It was Holly Markel who first posed the idea finding IdaMay Hornbrger and Tonya Huston willing to serve on the board of the fledgeling enterprise. All three women are survivors of domestic violence and along with this horrific personal experience, they are combining their talents and educating themselves in how to help others.

“We are awed at how God is moving to open what we feel a much needed opportunity. We have found a perfect property location for the cause, a site with a house and barns,” said Tonya. The group, “Legacy Healing Ranch,” has applied for 501-C3 status aided by a Muncy attorney and certified public accountant. Those who would like to financially bless the ministry will receive a tax-deductible receipt at the end of the physical year.

Holly with her degrees in business administration and equine studies will provide the trauma informed equine assisted learning and life skills coaching.

Tonya has a degree in therapeutic art and will instruct classes in several medians to help manage anxiety, trauma and PTSD.

IdaMay is an experienced horse woman and in addition said, “I worked security for a national corporation.” When Legacy Ranch is established, she will assist as well as instruct self-defense classes.

All three women are currently enrolled in domestic violence advocacy training classes. In addition, both IdaMay and Holly are professional members of Natural Lifemanship.

Aiding them in their efforts is Picture Rocks native, Leah (King) Way, who is serving in the area of promotion and fundraising. The ministry is looking for someone with experience in music therapy.

The goal of the ministry is to “offer a cowboy church on a night that does not interfere with other church services, so that we may come together as a community to worship the Lord and have a fun time together in fellowship.”

Working with the community is Legacy’s added goal with everyone doing a part to restore this community to flourish again, just as God reconciles us sinners to Himself through His son, Jesus Christ, giving us new life in Him, restoring us one step at a time.

These women have experienced that, “This life is full of trials and tribulation, let’s join together and encourage each other in our walk, putting our differences aside and show this country how true Christians came come together in unity to help others in need to bring God the glory only He deserves.”

“Legecy Healing Ranch Ministries” is a non-denominational Christian based entity.