By Msgr. Noel C. Burtenshaw

They came to Mount Vernon Christian Academy for 10 days. They came each day and stayed almost all day. For the most part they all looked alike. They were white, middle and upper middle class. Most had a college education. Most were suburbanites. Most were thirty-ish. Most had little children.

They came one thousand strong every day. They were almost all Protestant. But they were Catholic too. They were from the new suburbs of the metro area. But they were from Florida also. Some were from the Midwest. One lady was from Chicago (“I came because they helped my son so much”). They came, they listened, they asked questions, they sought guidance. And they enjoyed every minute of the entire 10 days.

L’Abri is what they were. It was in Atlanta for 10 days along with its founder, Dr. Francis Schaeffer. The young couples, like thirsty travelers, sat at the feet of Dr. Schaeffer, his wife Edith and a host of disciples drinking the waters from the fountain that these dynamic Christians offered. And when it was over they still did not have enough.

What is L’Abri? The name, when translated from the French, means shelter. “That’s what it is, I suppose,” says Linda Simpson who, along with husband Hal, organized this Atlanta convocation. “And yet that’s not exactly it either. It’s a lot of things. L’Abri is a place to take a look at Christianity. It is a place to say that, even today, Christianity is valid, is wonderful and can be lived.”

Many of the young couples belong to churches in this area but find that many churches are willing to water down the message of the Bible. “It is difficult at times,” said a young executive from Orlando, Florida, “to find a church community that boldly stands for New Testament teaching. You find it unfolded for you at L’Abri. There is a wonderful challenge offered to you to live the Gospel today. We, of L’Abri, take that message into our churches and our communities.”

A good example is the bold stand that L’Abri takes on human life. They stand for life and are outspoken about laws and movements that strike down the right to life.

“It is a freedom,” says Linda Simpson, struggling to exactly communicate her rapture with L’Abri. “That’s what it is – a freedom. I don’t just have to obey laws and rules that churches may be obsessed with. I am free to live the principles that Christianity and the Bible teach.”

It all began in 1948. Francis and Edith Schaeffer left their large, traditional Presbyterian church in St. Louis along with their children and went to Europe. Francis had pastored the church in St. Louis for 10 years. They had been happy and secure there. “But,” writes Edith, “we had come to the conclusion that God had led us to walk away from our secure life – as well as home and possessions – and go to Europe.”

Francis lectured and preached in churches throughout Europe on the constant message of his life – live every day according to the principles set down in the Gospels. The family settled in Switzerland and vacationing skiers began to visit and listen to the message of the Schaeffers. Tapes and slide programs were developed. The uncompromising teaching of Francis grew popular with his listeners. His home became a shelter, a place to come, a place to rest, a place to learn. L’Abri, the shelter, was born.

Not only was it born, it began to spread. Linda Simpson met L’Abri in London. One was founded in Boston, in Rochester, Minnesota. There is L’Abri in Holland and, of course, in Switzerland.

In these houses, families and single adults live together in a simple Gospel life and offer their faith to visitors. “If you go to a L’Abri,” says Linda Simpson, “you are made welcome. You stay a few days and listen to the tapes and lectures. Or maybe you just read and relax. Nothing is dictated, you are invited to find the relationship with Christ that the Scriptures offer.”

If a visitor decides to stay for a longer period and is accepted, then financial arrangements are worked out. The emphasis is entirely on a simple living, sharing as a family, believing without compromising, what the Gospels offer.

“It is always fresh,” said a young teacher who attended the conference at Mount Vernon. “It is a non-humanist approach to God’s Word. It is a challenge. It is not watered down to suit this age. We need to hear it. More and more are living it every day.” Then he was gone to another lecture which was being given by one of the many European scholars who are disciples of Francis Schaeffer.

The Schaeffers and their L’Abri movement has been made famous by the writings of Francis and the movies he has produced. “Whatever Happened To The Human Race” was and is a runaway best seller. Other books have sold in the millions. “It is impossible,” says Dr. Schaeffer, “to respond to all the requests we get to lead seminars. Our young families are thirsty for the Word. Their anxious response is beautiful.” Francis left Atlanta to be with Mother Teresa in London. Together they had been asked to address a pro-life demonstration. The organizers estimated that 50,000 people would attend.

Mentally you go back to Mount Vernon Christian Academy. You watch those young families fill the large auditorium. Edith Schaeffer looked at the crowd. It reminded her of the early days in Switzerland as the number of young people came to her house for spiritual shelter.

Back then her husband said “Let’s call it L’Abri – The Shelter – and let them know they are welcome.”

The message has been heard. They keep coming back.