Swiss Newsletter, April 2006
 
Dear Friends of L’Abri,
 
As the winter term draws to a close, we look forward to celebrating Easter Sunday with a communion service in the chapel, followed by sharing a meal all together at Chalet Bellevue. The last day of the term is often a time of mixed emotions as saying good-bye and separation are not easy. Many students will be returning to an uncertain future, and we pray that they would not see their time here as ending, but rather as a beginning anew, as they seek God step by step and move towards life rather than death. Christ’s work on our behalf is indeed what we will be celebrating on Easter.
 
Christmas was also a time of mixed emotions as several long-time friends and supporters of this branch were taken ill. Jane Stuart Smith experienced serious complications from an infection and after undergoing seven operations and months of pain and uncertainty, she is finally looking forward to returning home. We pray for her recovery and continue to thank God for her and Betty and their contribution to this work. Just last week, an English woman arrived after reading A Song From L’Abri. It was also during the month of December that Pat Aeshbach was diagnosed with cancer. Some may remember Pat from her student days back in the late 1960s, others more recently may have stayed with her and her husband Max near Bern during a mid-term break. Their support and encouragement to this branch has meant so much to us throughout the years. Please pray for them and their family.
 
After experiencing several fainting spells, Mrs. Schaeffer’s heart rate was found to be dropping dangerously low at times and she was hospitalized over night to be given a pace maker. All went well and she is now back under the care of her daughters and of Jane. We pray that the right person will be found to replace Jane after she leaves in June.
 
John and Prisca also had health problems this winter, but are at present back on their feet. John celebrates his 70th birthday later this month and his presence and work continues to be appreciated by all ( although we wish he would stop trimming large trees and clearing roof tops ).
 
As some of you know Karen Bradford was chosen to be the stem cell donor for her sister Heather who has lymphoma. The procedure, which took place in December went well, and Karen returned to Canada again in February for a short visit. Recovery has been slower than hoped for, but we were happy to hear that Heather may be returning home to her family this month. Thank you for your continuing prayers.
 
Prayer is actually a topic that Greg challenged us to look at more closely during our weekly workers’ meetings, both in our private lives and as leaders of the work. What is prayer? How should we pray? What does it mean to pray according to God’s will? Prayer has always been central to this work, and we need to encourage each other and the community at large in responding to God’s invitation to communicate with Him and to grow in faith.
 
This term brought together quite a challenging group of students. Meal time conversations proved to be at times emotional and confrontational, but hopefully were a learning and growing process for many. The diversity didn’t so much come from the nationalities represented, than from differences in background, needs, and outlook on life. One student came to us from a church upbringing, but declared himself straight off as an atheist. He considered leaving after his first week, but decided to “stick it out.” He can hardly get his questions out fast enough and is all over the map, so we are happy that he will be returning next term to continue his search for truth. We feel at times a little overwhelmed by the psychological and spiritual needs of some and pray for God’s help in reaching them and communicating His word to them. Half way through the term one of our long termers came to the place in his life where he could call himself a follower of Christ. We rejoice with him in his new commitment.
 
Apart from this steady core group, we were a little surprized by the number of short term students as this is uncharacteristic of the winter term. It takes time to settle down into the community life and a study program and one might come for a few days and not really understand what this place is all about.
 
The lectures were rich and varied this term, most given by staff workers, but a few from outside speakers. In January Read Schuchardt who is presently teaching in Lugano, came with his wife Rachel ( a former L’Abri student ) and their six children. He lectured on Media and “Money God, the economic history of the world’s most powerful idea.”
 
February brought us the encouraging visit of Wim and Greta Rietkerk. Wim preached on the supernatural and they enjoyed some time of rest and relaxation. Ralph McCall lectured in March on vision and vocation - the topic of his latest book. And last week Jozef Luptak, a cellist from Bratislava inspired us all with a seminar on, “What kind of music does God like?” and a beautiful candlelight concert in the evening.
 
Richard lectured on prayer, the emerging church, and the canon and has been taking us through Hebrews on Sunday mornings. Both he and Karen went to their first members’ meeting in Holland and enjoyed spending time with others from various branches. Alexis and Simon both go up the hill to the brand new school in Villars and are quite the French speakers.
 
Karryn presented material on reconciliation and love, eating disorders, the post-impressionist painter Cézanne and led several film discussions. She was saddened by the recent death of her godmother and looks forward to spending time with friends and family in Australia during Spring break.
 
Greg led a seminar with a smaller student group working through Dr Schaeffer’s True Spirituality. This format seemed to be successful as the students came prepared and eager to discuss. He also presented his own material on Christian spirituality which he has just finished putting into book form. Pray for this as he seeks the right publisher. Apart from our other L’Abri tasks, our three teenage boys keep us on our toes. Vincent graduates from the gymnase this June. He will be taking some time off to travel in the USA and to study at Southborough L’Abri. He also hopes to accomplish his civil service before continuing his studies in philosophy and literature at the University of Lausanne. Alexander and Lawrence both have another year at their respective schools before having to make a decision as to the next step in their education.
 
Eden and Jasie, our short term workers have helped Kay in numerous ways in holding up the fort at Bellevue. Along side the normal meals, meeting with students, leading prayer meetings, computer work, etc. they also have dealt admirably with various “crises” that have come their way - a cracked wrist, an appendix scare, broken window, faulty heating .... We are thankful for their invaluable contribution and also rejoice with Kay at the news of a first grandchild.
 
After a mild January, we experienced a cold and snowy winter which kept the students busy with shovels and ice picks, but which also increased the heating bills and highlighted our two big maintenance problems: the Mélèzes roof and the chapel heating. We hope to address these when funds permit. We also lowered student fees this term and with gifts critically low we were amazed there were no substantial cuts, although most months ended with precious little to spare. We rejoice in the work that has been accomplished in the chapel and les Mélèzes thanks to previous designated gifts for these projects. The study facilities in Farel house have been improved by a internal wooden staircase which links the two floors and by the acquisition of new tables, chairs and bookcases. Renovations continue in les Mélèzes with re-tiled floors, a kitchen make-over, and a new shower on the bottom floor. Our helper Patrick is a real handyman and has done a great job on the grounds and property with the help of the students. The Canadian team will be coming soon to finish the electrical work. We would love to see the roof done before the Diepstras move in, but that will depend on finances that have still not come in for this. George and Eileen studied in L’Abri with the Schaeffers back in the early 1980s and have been back several times since to visit and lecture. George has just retired from teaching and we are happy to welcome them into our team.
 
March brought us many old-time visitors (including Juanita who is well) and we were encouraged at the unfolding of their lives in Christ. Jason, of Jason and Bex, ( now a father of two beautiful boys) told us: “there is never a day that goes by that we don’t use something of what we learned at L’Abri - whether it be in the kitchen or something deeper.” We thank God for how He uses this place and we thank you for your sustaining interest and encouragement.
 
Let us rejoice together in the celebration of Christ’s work on our behalf, for He has risen indeed.
 
 
With love from us all,
 
 
Lisby
 
 
  
 
***All address changes and requests for the Swiss Newsletter and Prayerletter should be sent to our Swiss address or to by email to swissmailings@labri.org. 

***Tax-free receipts for gifts meant specifically for the work of the Swiss branch are available from Switzerland when the gifts are sent either to Huémoz or to the Rochester address with a note specifying its designation for Swiss L’Abri.

*** Swiss Address: L'Abri Fellowship, Chalet Bellevue, 1884 Huémoz, Canton de Vaud, Switzerland.


*** U.S. Address: L'Abri Fellowship, 1465 12th Avenue N.E., Rochester, MN. 55906, USA.