L'Abri

by Edith Schaeffer, Francis A. Schaeffer (Foreword), Deirdre Ducker (Illustrator)

Em 1955, uma família americana mudou-se para um chalé ao lado de um íngreme alpe suíço. Eles não sabiam exatamente por que Deus os havia trazido para lá, o que ele queria que fizessem, ou mesmo de onde viria o dinheiro para o sustento. Mas o Senhor começou a abrir portas, e as pessoas com dúvidas sobre o significado da vida começaram a encontrar o caminho para a casa deles.

Edith Schaeffer, esposa do Dr. Francis Schaeffer, conta a notável história de como Deus os guiou passo a passo, à medida que um pequeno chalé se transformava em uma comunidade inteira. O lugar recebeu o nome de L’Abri (francês para abrigo). Dia após dia, Deus proveu fielmente para sua família e, no fim das contas, para toda a comunidade.

Os Schaeffers acreditavam que a verdade deve ser demonstrada tanto quanto debatida. Eles queriam mostrar ao mundo, através do estilo de vida transformado de uma comunidade de crentes, que o Deus pessoal-infinito está realmente presente em nossa geração. Em uma sociedade que perde a capacidade de discernir entre valores cristãos e não cristãos, verdade e inverdade, bem e mal, o L’Abri equipou inúmeras pessoas a fazerem essa distinção.

Há mais de 30 anos, pessoas vão ao L’Abri de todas as camadas sociais e de muitos países, em busca da verdade e da realidade. Lá encontram alguém que cuida delas pessoalmente, que ouve atentamente suas perguntas e que lhes dá respostas baseadas em um compromisso intransigente com a verdade bíblica. O L’Abri agora tem filiais em vários outros países e afetou a vida de literalmente milhares de pessoas ao redor do mundo.

Genres: Biography, Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Christian Living, Theology, Memoir

256 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 1992

About the author

EDITH SCHAEFFER is the widow of Francis Schaeffer, and with him co-founder of L'Abri Fellowship. Her many books include A Celebration of Children and The Life of Prayer. She passed away in 2013.

Recognized internationally for his work in Christianity and culture, Francis A. Schaeffer authored more than twenty books, which have been translated into a score of languages and sold millions worldwide. He and his wife, Edith, founded L'Abri Fellowship international study and discipleship centers. Schaeffer passed away in 1984, but his influence and legacy continue worldwide.

children: Susan Schaeffer Macaulay

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really challenged the way I view possessions and even the way I use my time during the day. It is so encouraging to read a book from the perspective of someone who has really "given it all" on a daily basis. I realized that if I truly believe in God's ultimate sovereignty, I need to live a life that wouldn't make sense unless it's true. He is truly trustworthy to provide everything we need in life, financially, emotionally, relationally, etc. I was so encouraged by reading this book the first time that my husband and I read it together afterward. He loved it just as much!

[Gretchen Rubin]

I don't remember why I happened to read this book (or Crazy for God, by Edith's son Frank Schaeffer) but it was fascinating to read them together; they are two versions of the same events, from a mother and a son. And both books are interesting from their own perspective.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Previously I read Edith Schaeffer's The Hidden Art of Homemaking with an online group led by Cindy Rollins and enjoyed it, so when I spotted an older copy of L'Abri at a used book sale, I snapped it up. After spending almost year on my bookshelf waiting its turn to be read, I plucked it off the shelf on a Thursday night on a whim and read it exclusively until I finished it Saturday morning right before lunch. I knew the basics about Edith and Francis Schaeffer's story, had read books and articles by their adult children and have even met people who visited their L'Abri home in Switzerland. But Edith's straightforward recounting and conversational descriptions engaged me entirely and I gobbled up the book. Her writing style and principled lifestyle reminds me very much of Elisabeth Elliot which is not really a surprise. They are both godly women who have left a legacy of faithfulness for others to follow.

[Natalie Herr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating and encouraging look at story of the Christian community of L’Abri in Edith Schaeffer’s own words. This was a family so devoted to prayer; so open to sharing their whole lives with others and dedicating themselves to the deep, relational spread of the gospel. Their faith and fervor is contagious!

[Emma L’Abri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I held off on reading this for many years because it has come to hold great personal meaning to me. Who wants to be disappointed by their namesake! It, however, did not disappoint in the slightest - it was so powerful and a beautiful example of what it looks like when you pray with true trust in an answer and open hands to the Lord’s will for your life. It challenged, convicted, and encouraged me toward sharing the gospel even in an age where it isn’t readily received. It was so fun to read this story and realize how the Lord has already interwoven my story with L’Abri and it’s story. I only hope for more!

[Laura McCarter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable and engaging account of 20th century Christian giants. A bit hard to keep track of the many coming and going people when only first names are given and the bouncy timeline that the style creates. A good book of inspiration for hospitality and gospel conversations, though not prescriptive in the details. The illustrations were delightful additions to me. It is a snapshot in time of decades of ministry and is very much of its era, at least the older edition I read is. It is not a book of L’Abri’s details, but an account of God’s provision and faithfulness.

[Jlauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Towards the end of the book it became difficult to keep track of the people and places- but overall this was an excellent book, a testament to the reality of God and many, many answered prayers! This book increased my faith, reading about how God met the Schaeffer’s practical needs and used them to reach so many people for Christ.

[Kate Hacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great read - an encouraging example of living by faith and a stirring testimony of how God can and does work through just a few people.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edith fed and found shelter for those visiting their home, which often meant their house was bursting at the seams. Over the next decades, their home and extending community, L'Abri (French for "shelter") lived up to its name, as many came for respite, equipping, and understanding Christianity in a life-altering way. Edith shares dozens of stories of people whose lives were radically changed while at L'Abri, but she never does it with pride or an air of self-achievement, but rather, turns all the glory to God. I loved her writing style, which was casual as if writing a letter to a friend, but also full of depth, such as she explains some of their core beliefs and ways they explained the Bible from a birds-eye-view to see Christ and the gospel permeating through all of Scripture. I was inspired and challenged by her ability (though she admits it was often difficult) to always have her doors open to strangers for the sake of sharing the gospel with them. Their ministry was not an easy one, with financial worries and difficult decisions (as well as two chronically sick children to care for), and yet she constantly persevered because she knew she was doing it in God's strength and that this was what He wanted for their family. I loved Edith's other book, The Hidden Art of Homemaking, which now I want to re-read since I understand more of the context in which she wrote that book. I also love her daughter Susan's book on the Charlotte Mason method of home education, For the Children's Sake, so I will definitely be reading more from the Schaeffers soon.

Rating: G

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and encouraging account of how Francis and Edith Schaeffer were led to create L'Abri, a family-style mission of helping people work through their intellectual and spiritual doubts. Although I really got bogged down by the amount of names of people who were converted at L'Abri and had a hard time keeping track of who was who, it was convicting to see how much they trusted God with providing for them and were excited to be a part of God's plan.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kind of the original “The gospel comes with a housekey” with more gospel and less tangential theological rants. Loved this glimpse into the Schaefer’s and LAbri life. If you’re only going to read one, read The Hidden Art of Homemaking. But then you will want to read more.

I noticed some things that made it much easier to appreciate her story:
1) she had 4 children but they were born 3+ years apart and she notes that the little stage required her to recuse herself from a lot.
2) she did not homeschool.
3) in fact her children went to part time boarding school
4) she regularly traveled without her children.
5) she often had household help
6) she was rarely isolated and had other grownups to bear the burdens with her

She worked HARD, but I don’t need to beat myself up about productivity comparisons when we are living with very different resources.

[Ben Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book over a decade ago and it is just as inspiring and exciting to read today. It can be difficult to sift through the names and follow a chronology, but that doesn't interfere, in my opinion, with the value of this as a testimony to how God can use a family to reach others for Christ.

This book and its subject matter are firmly fixed at a particular time and place. It is questionable if Francis Schaeffer––his ministry and apologetics––would be as effective today as he seems to have been in the 1960s, but judging by L'Abri's continued ministry throughout the world, it isn't hard to imagine how adaptable the Schaeffer's ministry to our current context. If you've been inspired by monasticism, Rosaria Butterfield, or any kind of community discipleship, this book should be part of your library.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply encouraging account of the Lord building His Kingdom through one family in a village somewhere in Switzerland. It is astounding to see the ways God uses to accomplish His purposes! The Schaeffers' emphasis on prayer and letting the Lord guide is so relevant to the Christian's life, and the book is a powerful reminder to take stock of one's life, and consider what areas the Christian is trying to achieve on his/her own strength. Enjoyed it from start to finish!

[Olivia Pulcine · Rating 4 out of 5]

a beautiful read about the genesis and growth of l’abri over a handful of decades. i read this leading up to my upcoming stay at swiss l’abri and it was the perfect introduction. feeling hopeful and eager to rest, play, learn, and grow during my getaway

-1 star because there are too many people and places to keep up with (which i guess is a testament to lots of answered prayers so there’s that)

[Molly Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

A powerful story about God’s faithfulness and provision in the lives of the Schaeffer family and the many others touched by L’Abri. I loved reading about the ministry’s dedication to prayer and the countless examples of how God answered it. My issue with this book was that it felt rather disorganized and disconnected. It was at times difficult to stay engaged and keep track of the timeline and myriad of people mentioned. But then again, the countless names Edith Schaeffer mentions are a great testament to how many lives the Lord has changed, so I understand why she includes them.

[Luke Mulbery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book displaying the effects of a faith-filled life as the Schaeffers were walking in the will of God. No difficulty is too difficult for the Lord

[Paige Benzing · Rating 4 out of 5]

a really sweet glimpse into “behind the scenes” for the Schaeffer family - inspired me to pray more earnestly, spend more time in God’s word, and read Francis’ books!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The aspect of Edith’s writing I like most is how she brings a life of prayer and faith into reality. She is very practical in her sharing, being careful not to romanticize but to encourage her readers in what their day to day really was; sometimes the consequences were sacrificial and oftentimes miraculous. I also loved how she explains biblical truths. I can just imagine what it would’ve been like to receive her love and attention, and am inspired to serve others by her example. I chose this book to read during a trip to Switzerland, since that is where they lived during the time of the book, and it was a fun connection.

[Marcella Chatham · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ rounded up to 5.

This is Edith's memoir on the birth and development of her and her husband's (Francis) ministry "L'abri." It is jam-packed with many stories of faithfulness, prayer, diligence, discipleship, hospitality and trust in the Lord. It's apparent to me, upon her account, that she really sought to support her husband's vision. I do wonder a bit at how their children faired through all of the ups and downs and seemingly endless challenges that came along with helping so many others. I wish there was a bit more emphasis on the practical side of how she managed it all but maybe that is something that's addressed in another one of her books.
A half star off because some of the recounts of the many people they came into contact with can feel a bit repetitive.

[chesed chipman · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is one of the most challenging and encouraging books i’ve ever read. edith’s life displayed wholehearted reliance upon God in a way i’ve seldom seen. i return to this book frequently, and plan to throughout my life.

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my third time reading through L’Abri—and it’s always a pleasure. On this round I read it out loud to my husband and we were both encouraged and convicted by the Schaefer’s ministry to and love for people. There is so much to learn from them.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE CO-FOUNDER OF L'ABRI (AND FRANCIS SCHAEFFER'S WIFE) TELLS THEIR STORY

Edith Rachel Merritt Schaeffer (1914-2013) was a Christian author and co-founder of L'Abri, a Christian apologetics organization (originally centered in Switzerland) which hosts guests; she was married to Francis Schaeffer [e.g., 'How Then should We then Live'], and the mother of Frank Schaeffer ['Crazy for God: How I Grew Up as One of the Elect'] and three other children. Edith also wrote books such as 'Christianity Is Jewish,' 'The Hidden Art of Homemaking,' 'What is a Family?,' etc.

She explains in the Introduction to this 1969 book, "The word [L'Abri] is simply French for 'shelter.' L'Abri is a spiritual shelter for any in need of spiritual help---especially those seeking the answers to the basic philosophical problems with which all who care about finding a meaning or purpose in life have to struggle." (Pg. 13)

She explains about the financing of the organization, "gifts come in from many different places, and are placed in a general fund out of which rents, mortgage payments and electric bills are paid, and the housekeepers are given money for food. No one asks anybody to give money, however. No pleas are made to human beings or organizations, and no pledges are asked for." (Pg. 15)

She notes that in 1955, "we believed that the Lord was leading us to establish L'Abri Fellowship... We set forth the following principles upon which we expected to establish L'Abri Fellowship: 1. We said we would pray that God would send the people of His choice to us... 2. We said we would pray that God would send... enough money to care for our needs as a family, AND for ... those whom He would send us to help... 3. We said we would not have a plan, but pray for the direct leading of God, to give us His plan for the work... 4. We also prayed that if it grew, God would send us the Workers of His choice..." (Pg. 124-125)

She admits, "Not everyone who has come to L'Abri has gone away believing, by any means. I must make that clear. Nor has everyone who has believed continued to live a Christian life. Nor has everyone who has continued to live a Christian life changed his or her profession. The instances given have been chosen with a desire to show what we believe God has done. There is much more that could be told, on the positive side, and there are many people who could be mentioned who came to L'Abri but in whose lives we have no knowledge of a lasting effect." (Pg. 205-206)

This book provides a unique insight into the workings of L'Abri, and the Schaeffers. [You can also read Betty Carlson's books, 'The Unhurried Chase That Ended at L'Abri,' 'A song from L'Abri,' and 'From the mountains of L'Abri.']

[kyleesreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

📚 L’Abri by Edith Schaeffer

“Does becoming a Christian ensure you a happy life? That depends on your definition of happiness. It certainly doesn’t make you popular, nor understood…and it certainly does usher in a whole host of struggles and problems as you often stand alone in the family circle feeling quite uncomfortable. 💐The deep, real joy that comes with knowing you are in contact with the living God is something no one would exchange who has known it.💐 Becoming a Christian isn’t changing your political party, or joining a new club, nor is it adding a sweet dessert to the hearty dinner of life. It is something that is so tough and hard in its reality, that if it were not true then it would be better to find a simpler solution to the problem of making this present life bearable. Talking about truth isn’t very modern, but it does happen to matter a great deal whether there is such a thing as absolute truth, or not.”

This book is such an encouragement for the Christian! It is for anyone who needs a reminder that God provides for His people and takes care of them. The stories told are a mixture of joy and heartbreak but not without the hope that comes from knowing Jesus Christ! God had a special role to play with the L’Abri community and it is powerful to see God save people from all backgrounds. My only complaint is that I sometimes got lost in the details and at times it was slower and harder to read. But overall this is a book I want to revisit when I need to be reminded of God’s faithfulness!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Elevator Pitch: Watch God answer prayer after prayer for the Schaeffer family who live as missionaries in Switzerland providing refuge for seekers and strangers looking for the Truth.

Themes: Power of prayer, Christian community, Switzerland, missionary, evangelism, Christian living, Christian non fiction, biography

#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #whatimreading #bookreview #bookish #reading #readersofinstagram #bookishlove #bookishlife #booklove #booklover #bookworm #bookcommunity #labri #christiannonfiction #kyleesreads

[Scott Paulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recall first learning of Francis Schaeffer when I was between 16 and 18 years old. One of my brothers introduced me to “The God Who is There” and “He is there and He is not Silent”. I don’t recall hearing much about L’Abri Fellowship until later, even though the books I had read were a book form and product of lectures given by Schaeffer at L’Abri. It was in college, in my first year, in fact, that I was introduced to “How should we Then Live?” as part of a class on culture. I have an affectionate remembrance of the works above, and others, for the clear explanation of truth.

But as to how all of these fruits came to be, I had only a vague understanding. Here, Mrs. Schaeffer takes the reader from almost the beginning, and certainly the earliest days in Switzerland, where the earnest prayer prayed by the Schaeffers and their children was that God would send them the people to talk to about “The God Who is There”, and then helping them to see “that God works in space, time, and history, and in one’s own moment in history. She writes this history, this “helicopter view” (her words), with the orderliness of a missionary prayer letter, and the easy conversation of a favorite auntie.

Dr. Schaeffer writes the following as the Foreword to “L’Abri”:

“This book and my books form a unity. The work of L’Abri has two inter-related aspects. First, there is the attempt to give an honest answer to honest questions—intellectually and upon a careful exegetical base. My books, “The God Who is there”, “Escape from Reason”, and “Death in the City” are directed to this aspect.”

“The second aspect is the demonstration that the Personal-Infinite God is ‘really there’ in our generation. When 20th-Century people come to L’Abri they are faced with these two aspects simultaneously, as the two sides of a single coin. Now, in this book, this second side is presented.”

[Jared Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edith Schaeffer's prevalent desire throughout L'Abri is to catalogue the work that God did in their lives and thus fulfill her and her husband Francis' greatest aim in life - to show others that there is a God, He is personal, and He is there. Though sometimes the chapters read like long blogs posts, overall L'Abri is a fantastic testament to the work God was doing (not only the Schaeffers' lives but also in the world at large) that reads like a well-worn memoir. I felt as if Edith had invited me into their living room to tell me their story - and I enjoyed every minute of it. This book gave me the same feeling that I get when I go visit the country; time seemed to slow to a stroll and the pressures and demands of life evaporated. Edith puts on no pretense as she writes - and in that way you can tell she writes truly. Her story is there for those who are interested and my what a treasure it is!
On another note, there is little of Francis' work (meaning his lectures, words, thoughts or ideas) in this story. That does not detract from the story one bit, I think I just expected to hear more from him. But all of his works are quite accessible so I am not terribly disappointed.

[Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I brought this book all the way from the States and spent 10-20 minutes a day reading a chapter from this amazing and lively biography for almost a month!

Not only that Edith Schaeffer had written this piece with such lovely and great details that the story of how God built L’Abri literally came to life in my mind, I myself felt greatly encouraged and motivated to also pursue God and a life of faith the way she and her whole family did. The book has helped me realize how it is more than possible to experience a greater reality of God’s supernatural power on a daily basis in all aspects of my life!

It’s been such a long time since I read a wholesome, beautiful, real, and spirit-lifting biography book.

[Mark Smallwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

You might need to push through the first chapter or two as she starts in the middle of the action!

A very encouraging read; encouraging viz the life of prayer and faith. One thing I struggle to understand though is why the religious experiences of evangelicals tend to fit evangelical thought (e.g. no visions of Mary) whereas the religious experiences of Catholics tend to fit the thought of Catholics. Surely if one God is being experienced then religious experiences would cut across denominational
Belief systems? This is not a point of scepticism or doubt, just genuine confusion.

I have been to L’Abri and I loved it; perhaps the two best weeks of my life! It is a place chosen by God and shaped by Him too; this is the story of how that happened.

[Matt Moran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Schaeffer tells the story of L'Abri. This book rambles at times, the punctuation is strange, and it sometimes feels like a bunch of ministry newsletters strung together. However, the central story itself is challenging and inspiring, as are the points that Schaeffer drives home.

- A ministry built on prayer and dependence.

- A commitment to show the reality of a personal God.

- The necessity of prayer and action - or the recognition that God will answer prayer in a way that requires uncomfortable personal sacrifice.

One note - there is almost nothing here about the man Francis Schaeffer himself.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciate the Schaeffers, and their legacy. This book increased that sentiment, although she did a fabulous job on keeping the attention on God's amazing work to His glory, not theirs. The book does drag at times, and includes a lot of details which would be more fascinating to me if I was more involved in L'Abri and curious of its history, perhaps, or if I was more of a detail person. It is a similar story of how God worked to provide for George Muller and his ministry. The highlight of this book for me were the testimonies of conversion. So many precious and true stories of God saving people of all backgrounds and from all over the globe.

[Jonas Erne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inzwischen zum vierten Mal habe ich nun Edith Schaeffers Buch „L'Abri“ gelesen. Jedes Mal berührt es mich wieder erneut zutiefst, zu lesen, wie eine Familie aus den Staaten in die Schweizer Alpen zieht, in ein kleines, abgelegenes Dorf, und plötzlich aus der ganzen Welt junge Menschen anzieht. Was für diese Menschen so attraktiv ist, sind zwei Dinge zugleich: Da waren Menschen, die sie ernst nahmen, mit all ihren Fragen, Zweifeln, Gedanken, sie einlud, alles zu sagen und ihnen half, den christlichen Glauben zu verstehen. Und dann war dieselbe Familie da, die ganz ohne Bettelbriefe, ganz ohne Spendenaufrufe, einfach Tag für Tag das Notwendige aus Gottes Hand erbat. Und bekam. Da wurde Gottes Größe für sie plötzlich lebendig. In diesem Leben und im Lieben. Auch mit dem ganzen Verstand.

Die Familie Schaeffer hat Mission mal ganz anders gemacht. Zunächst einmal haben sie sich nicht hingesetzt und geplant. Nein, sie haben sich auf den Weg gemacht und sich von Gottes Vorsehung Schritt für Schritt führen lassen. Nicht immer ganz einfach, denn es gibt da auch Widerstände. Am ersten Ort in den Schweizer Alpen bekehren sich zu viele populäre Katholiken, da kam plötzlich ein Bescheid, dass sie die Schweiz innerhalb von sechs Wochen zu verlassen hätten. So öffnet ihnen Gott – sozusagen im letzten Moment vor der Ausweisung – eine neue Türe in einem kleinen Dorf, weit abgelegen von jeglicher Stadtnähe. Dann ist es also ein Missionswerk, das nicht „zu den Menschen“ geht, sondern die Menschen zu sich kommen lässt. Und sie sind gekommen. Im Laufe der Jahre sind tausende von jungen Menschen nach L'Abri gekommen, haben am Familienleben teilgenommen und sich in abendlichen Diskussionen mit dem biblischen Weltbild befasst. Und nicht zuletzt haben sie auch nicht auf Zahlen gesetzt. Der einzelne Mensch zählt, nicht die Masse an Menschen, die kommen. Es waren immer nur gerade so viele aufs Mal da, dass alle zu Wort kommen konnten, und gerade das war auch so wichtig. Es war ein Missionswerk für junge denkende Menschen, von denen viele schon längst mit dem christlichen Glauben abgeschlossen hatten. Wer kann denn sowas heute noch glauben? Edith und Francis Schaeffer konnten – und wussten es auch sehr anschaulich zu erklären. Außerdem war ihr ganzes Leben eine große Erklärung des Christentums.

Bei jedem erneuten Lesen dieses Buches beginne ich zu beten: Herr, schenke uns heute noch mehr L'Abris! Noch mehr Schaeffers! Und noch mehr Türen und Gelegenheiten, um der jungen Generation so klar und deutlich die wahre Wahrheit nahe zu bringen. Um es mit Francis Schaeffer zu sagen: Der einzige Grund, weshalb jemand Christ werden soll, ist der, dass das Christentum wahr ist. Ich empfehle das Buch sehr gerne weiter und gebe ihm fünf von fünf möglichen Sternen.