Nathaniel Whittle of Texas is a traveler and writer who had the opportunity to take part in a full-term work/study program at L’Abri in Vancouver Island, Canada. In this article, Nathaniel Whittle provides background information on the organization, it’s mission, and what a person might expect from participating in one of L’Abri’s initiatives.
L’Abri is an international, interdenominational Christian community that acts as a shelter for honest questions about life and God. The organization was founded in Switzerland in 1955 by Dr. Francis and Edith Schaeffer and, as an international community, L’Abri currently has retreat locations spread across all six inhabited continents according to Nathaniel Whittle of Texas. No matter your nationality, you are welcome at L’Abri.
With nearly 70 years of experience bringing Christians together, the organization has a lot to offer. Here Nathaniel Whittle of Texas explores it’s unique mission, shares details of its ongoing efforts, and dives deeper into the community’s broad reach across the globe.
Nathaniel Whittle Explains Who Makes Up L’Abri
L’Abri was originally founded back in the mid-1950s by Dr. Francis and Edith Schaeffer. The community began as a small farmhouse in the Swiss Alps, but it quickly grew as more and more people came to visit. In the 1960s, the group expanded to include locations in England and the United States, and, today, there are L’Abri communities on every continent except Antarctica reports Nathaniel Whittle of Texas.
Every associated community is unique in its own way. Still, Nathaniel Whittle of Texas says all sites are staffed by dedicated L’Abri families and single volunteers who help visitors focus on their Christian studies and complete daily chores. There are no prerequisites needed to visit L’Abri communities and anyone is welcome to volunteer.
What Does the Organization Do?
Nathaniel Whittle of Texas explains the mission of L’Abri is to help people think deeply about some of life’s biggest questions and provide a space for honest dialogue about faith. To accomplish this mission, the community offers a variety of programs and resources.
One of the most popular offerings is the community’s week-long residential program. This program gives participants the chance to live at one of the L’Abri locations for a week and experience the community’s way of life firsthand.
In addition to the residential program, L’Abri also offers weekend retreats, online courses, and a variety of resources (books, articles, podcasts, etc.) that can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
What Does L’Abri Believe?
Nathaniel Whittle of Texas reports that L’Abri is an interdenominational Christian community, which means that people of all denominations are welcome. The organization is committed to biblical truth and believes that Christianity is relevant to all areas of life.
One of the core beliefs of L’Abri is that everyone is created in the image of God and has inherent worth and dignity. This belief leads to a deep respect for each individual, regardless of their background or beliefs.
L’Abri also believes that Christianity is not just a set of beliefs, but a way of life. This means that the community is not only focused on sharing the gospel, but also on living it out in everyday life. When visitors volunteer or request to stay at a L’Abri community, they participate and join in with this community spirit.
Locations
L’Abri is one of the widest-spread Christian communities in the world. Since 1955, Nathaniel Whittle of Texas notes the organization has made its way to every continent except Antarctica and you can volunteer or request to stay at their communities located in:
- Switzerland
- England
- Holland
- Massachusetts, USA
- Minnesota, USA
- Canada
- South Korea
- South Africa
- Brazil
- Australia
Every location offers its own unique take on the traditional L’Abri lifestyle, but all sites are dedicated to fostering an open community for Christians and faith seekers.
How People Get Involved
Nathaniel Whittle of Texas says one of the best ways to learn about the community and its work is to attend one of the weekly meetings that are held at each location. These meetings typically consist of a time of teaching followed by a time of discussion.
Another way that many Christians come to learn about L’Abri is by joining one of the community’s many programs. As mentioned above, the residential program is a great option for those who want to experience the L’Abri way of life firsthand. For those who can’t commit to a week-long stay, the community also offers weekend retreats and online courses.
Final Thoughts
Nathaniel Whittle of Texas explains that L’Abri is a unique Christian community with a rich history and a wide reach. The organization offers a variety of resources and programs that are designed to help people think deeply about their faith and to provide a space for honest discussions about God. No matter your background or beliefs, you are welcome at L’Abri.
