I loved this book!

Edith Schaeffer writes about how she and her husband, Francis Schaeffer, came to begin L'Abri Fellowship, a community where people can come and wrestle with their questions about God and spirituality.

One of the hallmarks of this community is that Edith and Francis aren't official missionaries and don't receive traditional financial support. They also don't advertise their needs widely or ask for funds. Instead, they pray and trust God to provide for their needs - and He has.

As with other accounts of God's provision, this was an incredibly encouraging read. Something that really struck me is that they also prayed for God to keep people away, those people who would only be taking advantage of the free accommodation near a skiing area (they are in Switzerland), and not actually interested in spiritual matters.

"If God exists, He is the One with infinite intelligence, infinite wisdom, infinite knowledge, infinite judgment. He would know how to plan a work, how to use lives, beyond any human being. We felt then that it would be possible to place our individual lives, and our 'work' of the future, into His planning. We felt it would be possible for Him to communicate day by day, week by week, month by month, this plan of His to us." p 127 ( )

If you were to visit L'Abri, you might find Edith Schaeffer preparing a Chinese dinner for 75; or you might meet her coming from the fields laden with boughs and mountain flowers, full of ideas to decorate the chapel for an afternoon wedding; or perhaps you would see her after a day's hiking with her husband, Dr. Francis Schaeffer, deep in conversation with a group of young people - sharing with them the excitement and reality of the Infinite-Personal God. Edith Schaeffer maintains through personal and detailed letters close family ties with many individuals whose needs are as diverse as their nationalities. In the same way, this book reflects the courage of obedience. As it unfolds it reflects behind it a unique woman, and through it a family that grew because of their personal commitment to Truth.

Well-written book by Edith Schaeffer, wife of the theologian, Francis Schaeffer. Missionaries to Switzerland, the Schaeffers were among the few who have relied solely upon the power of prayer to supply all needs. This is the story of the Schaeffer's founding of a home in the Swiss Alps where people from around the world could come to stay while they searched for the truth. An interesting experiment which proved very successful and was very influential in developing intellectully acute Christian leaders. ( )