Newsletter, August 2005

Dear Friends of L’Abri,

We have had an extraordinary summer term in Huémoz at Swiss L’Abri. Student numbers peaked at 38 and we have had over 120 students come through the branch this term. There were at least 100 people at the chapel service on Sunday, representing 12-13 countries. Marvelous, even amazing. Needless to say everyone is very tired, but God has been gracious and is faithfully using the work in the lives of many. In my view, this has been the busiest summer that we have had in several years and as summer is always a busy time here in Swiss L’Abri, this was truly exceptional. We’re thankful that we now have a break

Throughout the first two terms of the year there were a number of non-Christians with us who were seeking and became Christians; several Christians who were struggling with important issues and arrived at a growing Biblical clarity; and then there were many others who deepened their faith in Christ, while enhancing a Christian worldview. All these people were touched by God in special ways during their time here, as these types of things and many more took place in their lives in the midst of L’Abri.

The Swiss L’Abri, celebrating its fiftieth year in 2005, continues to provide the possibility for people to come to a place where they can be part of an extended family, receive honest answers to honest questions, and pursue truth. Christian and non-Christian people alike continue to flock to the Swiss L’Abri, seeking answers to modern - postmodern questions and dilemmas and other relevant issues of today’s world. They have the opportunity to work through diverse struggles, personal or otherwise, and address serious questions about what it means to live in community with God and others, the Christian life, and how to cultivate both a living and true spirituality. Swiss L’Abri remains a shelter for all who come and each one with us is considered important and a valued member of the community.

The L’Abri legacy is remarkable, and there is a real and ongoing need in our present cultural context for what L’Abri is, does and stands for. As Western culture frequently banalizes or ignores God and truth; as the pressures of extreme forms of postmodernisms develop; as new expressions of pantheism and pragmatism rise and gain a foothold in culture, L’Abri aims to provide people, and especially Christians, with insight and direction to know how to navigate through the high degree of confusion to clearer thinking and living for the sake of Christ.

We have had the blessing of having several guest lecturers recently who joined us in this objective. Let me just mention a few. Matthew Dickerson, a teacher in Massachusetts, who I believe has previously been at Southborough and Rochester, was with us to give a few J. R. R. Tolkien lectures. These were very well received. Karen Mulder, a doctoral candidate at University of Virginia, lectured on art and C. S. Lewis. Karen is excellent with people and all benefited from her material. Our plan, after having Matthew and Karen with us, is to move our 2006 Art’s Week Festival to the summer so more people can attend. Bill Bordeaux, from Huntington college, also gave us some fine lectures on theology and science. Bill was wonderfully helpful and very keen on making good student contact. His presentation was geared to be accessible, clear, and of value to the non-specialist, and Bill was successful in doing just that.

Mrs Schaeffer is getting along very well. It is a delight to have her with us, to enjoy family times together and also to see her continue to interact with the students. She is a remarkable example of grace and love and we continue to ask for your prayers on her behalf. We’re indeed thankful for Jane who helps to care for her.
Kay has been doing well in chalet Bellevue. She spends a tremendous amount of time talking with students and helpers. In addition to this, and her other responsibilities, she has been working on chalet les Mélèzes and was recently able to purchase some used furniture for the chalet at reasonable prices. Speaking of chalet les Mélèzes, there is a tremendous amount of work to be done on this, the original L’Abri chalet. Our aim is to restore it, but there is much to do. We would appreciate your prayers for all the work ahead, including roofing (a massive job), an entire rewiring of the electricity, tiling, painting and so on. We will step out in faith to have a Swiss electrician do the major work of installing a new electrical system. At least then the electricity will be safe to use and we can take on the more detailed electrical work later.

Karryn, in chalet Chesalet, gave a very helpful lecture on Feminism and the goddess movement and is working on some art lectures and a workshop on Nick Cave. Her sister will visit for the first time and Karryn is looking forward to some time with her.

Richard and Karen and their two children, Alexis and Simon, in chalet Bourdonette have been in Canada for vacation and family times. Heather, Karen’s sister has been given a clear sign that her cancer is now out of the picture. We’re all thankful. Karen’s leg is still mending and seems to be improving, so please keep praying. Richard is preaching through Hebrews and continues to work on ethics.

Brian has now left to pursue psychology studies. We’re grateful for his friendship and his contributions to our lives and those of the students. Gregg, a past worker was with us this summer to help out, and has returned home to Montana. It was good to have him here again and we appreciated his help. Eden and Jasie will join us as short term workers and we’re grateful for these two new members of the team.

Greg and Lisby and their sons, Vincent, Alexander and Lawrence, in chalet Minchületta have enjoyed two good terms since Greg and Lisby’s returning from sabbatical. Lisby is busy with various activities and she and the boys are well. Greg continues to work on a book on Christian spirituality. Please pray for its completion and future publication. His recent publications include: Living Hermeneutics in Motion: An Analysis and Evaluation of Paul Ricoeur's Contribution to Biblical Hermeneutics; The Apocalypse: A Study Guide on the Book of Revelation; “Language at the Frontiers of Language,” in After Pentecost: Language and Biblical Interpretation; “Ricoeur on History, Fiction and Biblical Hermeneutics,” in ‘Behind’ the Text: History and Biblical Interpretation; “Evangelicalism and Philosophy,” in The Futures of Evangelicalism. These titles, and other L’Abri material can viewed and purchased from our website: www.labri.org/swiss then click on the new resources addition for book suggestions and frequent updates. Another new possibility that may interest you is online giving.

We continue to pray and trust God for all facets of our lives. This includes the finances to run the work. Many, not all, who come to L’Abri are from churches and God graciously uses L’Abri in their lives. One of our prayers is for more churches to support the work. Please join us in this prayer, but also in praying for all that takes place here.

Yours in Christ,

Greg
Dr Gregory J. Laughery
L’Abri Fellowship