A Quick Review of L'Abri

I finished reading Edith Schaeffer’s L’ABRI earlier this week and I wanted to pass along my hearty recommendation for the book.  Published in 1969, the book tells the story of Francis and Edith Schaeffer starting the ministry of L’Abri and the course of its early years.  It is written in Edith’s charming, if sometimes rambling, style – full of warmth and beauty and miracles.  And what’s most important, the book shows what Francis calls the “other side of the coin” of the L’Abri ministry.  It is the demonstration in real life (relationships, home life, trials and tribulations) of the philosophy spelled out in Francis’ theological writings.

 A few of the take-away points?

* The critical importance of honest, fervent prayer for the success (as God defines it) of our ministries and personal lives.

* The priority of ministering to individual persons.

* God’s desire (nay, His command) for us to excel in hospitality.  And that involves effort, sacrifice, attention to detail, creativity, beauty, patience, and love.

* The fact that ministry (if it is truly of God) is never separated from real life.

* The importance of children, family, and friends.

* The profound power and beauty of letter-writing, journals, conversation, and simple church services.

And more…

Now many of these ideas are perhaps painted more colorfully and detailed in such other books by Edith Schaeffer as What's In a Family and A Way of Seeing but I’m really glad I went back to the beginning and read this one.  It was a provocative, timely, heartwarming, and challenging read.