Customer Reviews

L'Abri (New Expanded Edition)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Imagine packing up, moving from the United States, getting a chalet in the Swiss mountains, and opening up a Christian ministry that is geared to intellectual/spiritual seekers from diverse backgrounds. That's the adventure taken by Francis and Edith Schaeffer and this book chronicles the process.
It is well-written. As the story line unfolds, you are captivated by what will happen next.
Numerous answers to prayer are included in the adventure.
Also, how often have we related to the statement she writes that, "The thing about real life is that important events don't announce themselves...Usually something that is going to change your whole life is a memory before you can stop and be impressed about it. You don't usually have a chance to get excited about that sort of thing...ahead of time!"
By the way, L'Abri is French for "The Shelter."

There are so many answers to prayer in this story that one's faith is built as the direct communication of God to His people is described in a clear way.

Edith Schaeffer writes, "...it has been tremendously excited to see the reality of communication with God, and to see the reality of His replies, His answers, in the realm of material things, and in the realm of the minds and hearts of human beings."

The Schaeffer's had a unique, "world-class" ministry at L'Abri. Reading about how it all came about is a faith-building exercise. I strongly recommend this book.

This book will encourage the faith of Christians and will also give honestly seeking, open-minded, intellectual non-believers something to think about.

Join the exciting saga of L'Abri Fellowship, begun in Switzerland by a Christian family who pray for every need and depend on God to provide and to guide.
-->How do these ordinary people love and teach the international truth-seekers who drop by constantly?
-->What happens when they are ordered out of Switzerland for "having a religious influence"?

If you are a seeker of truth, or a believer in Jesus, or even just frustrated with the world, please read this book - or arrange to drop by!

more info about L'Abri Fellowship: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/Swiss_LAbri/

L'Abri is a very enjoyable book about a dedicated, creative Christian family living by faith and enjoying God's blessings and provision for their needs, over and over again.

How wonderful and inspiring to witness, through the writing of Edith Schaeffer, the birthing and growth of a ministry that God continues to bless.

The official L'Abri Fellowship website includes the following description of the ministry:

"L'Abri Fellowship began in Switzerland in 1955 when Francis and Edith Schaeffer decided in faith to open their home to be a place where people might find satisfying answers to their questions and practical demonstration of Christian care. It was called L'Abri, the French word for 'shelter,' because they sought to provide a shelter from the pressures of a relentlessly secular 20th century. As time went by, so many people came that others were called to join the Schaeffers in their work, and more branches were established."

In the book, Edith Schaeffer recounts the day that the name "L'Abri" came to the mind of her husband Francis Schaeffer (philosopher, prolific author), he said, "Let's call it L'Abri, and let these people know that they are welcome to come back and bring friends with them."

I first read L'Abri about twenty-five to thirty years ago, and have dreamed since then of a ministry similar to L'Abri, one that would be about faithfully teaching God's word and living God's truth, day by day, starting out of our home, or small- to medium-sized working farm or retreat, where our day-to-day living -- whatever that included -- would be part of the teaching, part of the ministry. Recently, the dream has been coming into clearer focus and continues to clarify, pending God's go-ahead, or "green light," but I do see how He has been preparing us for this or something like this for many, many years. God's timing is perfect.

At the time I first read this book, I was so inspired by Edith Schaeffer herself that I read every book she had written that I could get my hands on, which as I recall included The Hidden Art of Homemaking and What is a Family?, and I enjoyed both of them very much. Her writings inspired and guided me.

This book is tremendous, I just couldn't put it down. It gives a narrative overview of the history of L'Abri from Edith's perspective. This is a wonderful book for those who wish to find out more about the work of L'Abri.

Particuarly touching was the interesting accounts of the power of prayer.

My mom first bought this book when I was in [...]...approximately when the book first came out. She died when I was in my 20s and subsequently, I inherited all of her Christian books. I'd never gotten a chance to read L'Abri until about 6 months ago, but I'd always been intriqued with it since I was a child. What I discovered in finally sitting down and reading it, is that this book is an absolute GEM...rates up there as one of the BEST books I've ever read. It really inspired me to even greater growth...the Schaeffer's are just such a lovely, lovely, Godly family anyway. I recommend this book as a must read for everyone!!

I first read Edith's L'Abri after I met Francis and Edith Schaeffer in 1978 in Rochester, MN, where they came for treatment of Francis Schaeffer's cancer. Edith's L'Abri presents Francis Schaeffer's theological teachings in the form of practical application based on their lives and ministry. Fran called Edith's L'Abri the second side of the coin. More than thirty years later, I can testify that the faith principles they lived by are true. Later, I used her books, interviews, and my memories of them to write Francis & Edith Schaeffer (Men of Faith) [Paperback] (now out of print, but still available on here on Amazon). In my opinion, the best book on their lives was written by Edith herself: The Tapestry: The Life and Times of Francis and Edith Schaeffer [Paperback]

L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
Author: Prayer Steps to Serenity The Twelve Steps Journey: New Serenity Prayer Edition [Paperback]

Edith Schaeffer is an amazing story teller. Had the privilage of going to L'Abri in Switzerland. Walked right up to the door and the hostess was kind enough to show my mom and I around. It is exactly as Edith describes.

This book is written almost as a condensed form of a diary. It gives details about the ministry of Francis and Edith Schaeffer, and those who joined them at The Shelter (L'Abri) in Switzerland in the 1940's through 1960's.
Many lessons about real life walking with God, living by faith, and submitting all their needs to God in prayer. This book testifies to the practical life of a house church that grew into a community of faith with an international impact. While fairly feminine in tone and at times a little tedious in details discussed, it is well worth reading.

very moving story of the moving of a soverign God in history. I desire to find the way of life described here