Sanctuary In Stratton Strawless
Sanctuary is something that we all need and crave. It may mean different things to each of us but ultimately; the solution is the same. True sanctuary is found in Jesus alone.
Our Story
We are Charles and Meggan Foster, and ever since we first married over 30 years ago, we have known that God was calling us to set up a “Church Farm” of some kind. Back then, we had no idea what that would look like—nor the painful shaping and refining that we would need to go through before we were even ready to truly listen to God’s plans.
Now, after what has felt like an extraordinarily long journey, we are beginning to see and hear the story that God has been speaking into our lives.
And so, we invite you to join us on this journey. It may get muddy at times, but it will also be full of joy. Ultimately, our prayer is that you too will encounter the perfect peace that passes all understanding.
Who Are We?
We have four wonderful grown-up children and two fantastic grandchildren. Meg’s background is in both healthcare and the arts—having recently retired from a late career in the NHS while also working for many years as a professional artist. Charles works in mental health care, alongside supporting children and adults with multiple disabilities.
So Where Do The Animals Fit In?
Animals have always been part of our story. For many years we ran a smallholding, keeping horses, donkeys, mini-Shetlands, sheep, chickens—and even rheas! When we moved to Stratton Strawless, near Norwich, in 2019, we felt called to leave the smallholding behind. We needed space to be still, to listen carefully for God’s voice, and to seek His good, pleasing, and perfect will—rather than relying on our own ideas.
Why ‘Sanctuary’?
As we prayed and listened to God, we kept hearing the same phrase: “build sanctuary.” Gently, little by little, as we pressed into Him and asked what this might look like, He began to unfold the scene. The journey to establishing Sanctuary has been full of stories—too many to tell here! You’ll just have to come along sometime and hear them for yourself.
Deep down, most of us long for connection with nature, and many of us know the calm, non-judgmental presence that animals can bring—an oasis of comfort in the busyness of life. Our churchyards are often already a haven for wildlife, and the gentle animal therapy we are introducing through Sanctuary will deepen this connection. In doing so, we hope not only to strengthen our relationship with the natural world but also to create a place of rest, reflection, and healing.
Come and see
Now, within the churchyard at St Margaret’s, a small project is beginning to emerge. It is early days, but we are excited to see how God might use this place as a sanctuary—somewhere people can encounter peace, healing, and blessing.
