Why L'abri?
When I was planning my trip to Switzerland and once I was back as well, the single most common question that people asked me was why? Why did I go? What even is L'abri? Why did I go to Switzerland and not somewhere closer? Well, I have finally figured it out.
What is L'abri?
The reason why L'abri is hard to describe is because it doesn't fit into any one category. They are communities, study centres, and many other things to many other people. The best description I can find is from the L'abri website. "The L'abri communities are study centers in Europe, Asia and America where individuals have the opportunity to seek answers to honest questions about God and the significance of human life." Each location has a slightly different layout and structure, which I will discuss more later.
How did I hear about L'abri?
In my first year at Columbia Bible College in the Worships Arts program, we had a fourth year student share with one of our classes about the international semester. They travel through Europe and experience different forms of worship. One of the places they went was the Swiss L'abri and after hearing about it I was intrigued and thought it would be an incredible experience, but I wasn't ready to commit to anything quite yet. But it planted a seed.
Why did I go?
I chose the Swiss L'abri because of their structure. Or lack thereof. They do not have any assignments or classes, and only two or three lectures a week. Time is scheduled, but study is completely independent so you are free to study whatever you like. This meant that I would be able to go for as long as I wanted and not have to stay for an entire term. (This was necessary because of commitments to my band at the time and my job.) But why L'abri at all? Why not just travel through Europe and see more things than just one place? I got asked that question so many times and I never had an answer. I still don't really. But one thing I do know for sure. God wanted me there.
The reason why L'abri is hard to describe is because it doesn't fit into any one category. They are communities, study centres, and many other things to many other people. The best description I can find is from the L'abri website. "The L'abri communities are study centers in Europe, Asia and America where individuals have the opportunity to seek answers to honest questions about God and the significance of human life." Each location has a slightly different layout and structure, which I will discuss more later.
How did I hear about L'abri?
In my first year at Columbia Bible College in the Worships Arts program, we had a fourth year student share with one of our classes about the international semester. They travel through Europe and experience different forms of worship. One of the places they went was the Swiss L'abri and after hearing about it I was intrigued and thought it would be an incredible experience, but I wasn't ready to commit to anything quite yet. But it planted a seed.
Why did I go?
I chose the Swiss L'abri because of their structure. Or lack thereof. They do not have any assignments or classes, and only two or three lectures a week. Time is scheduled, but study is completely independent so you are free to study whatever you like. This meant that I would be able to go for as long as I wanted and not have to stay for an entire term. (This was necessary because of commitments to my band at the time and my job.) But why L'abri at all? Why not just travel through Europe and see more things than just one place? I got asked that question so many times and I never had an answer. I still don't really. But one thing I do know for sure. God wanted me there.
Take my life and let it be
Consecrated Lord to Thee
Take my moments and my days
Let them flow in ceaseless praise