About us
Mrs. Edith Schaeffer
1914-2013
What is L'Abri?
L’Abri Fellowship began in Switzerland in 1955 when Francis and Edith Schaeffer decided in faith to open their home to be a place where people, whether Christian or not, might find satisfying answers to their questions and a practical demonstration of Christian care.
It was called L’Abri, the French word for “the shelter,” because they sought to provide a shelter from the pressures of a relentlessly secular 20th century.
As time went by, so many people came that others were called to join the Schaeffers in their work, and more branches were established.
​The Rochester branch began in the late seventies when the Schaeffers first came to the Mayo Clinic for medical care. In 1990, a beautiful 9-acre property a couple of miles from downtown was donated to L'Abri, and the work has continued there ever since. After Francis Schaeffer's death in 1984, Mrs. Schaeffer continued to reside in Rochester for many years.
It was called L’Abri, the French word for “the shelter,” because they sought to provide a shelter from the pressures of a relentlessly secular 20th century.
As time went by, so many people came that others were called to join the Schaeffers in their work, and more branches were established.
​The Rochester branch began in the late seventies when the Schaeffers first came to the Mayo Clinic for medical care. In 1990, a beautiful 9-acre property a couple of miles from downtown was donated to L'Abri, and the work has continued there ever since. After Francis Schaeffer's death in 1984, Mrs. Schaeffer continued to reside in Rochester for many years.
Profiles
Jock & Alison McGregor
Jock, originally from South Africa, and Alison, originally from Australia, have worked at L'Abri for over 30 years, and met while they were both at the Swiss L'Abri in the early 80's. After Jock received his M.Div. from Regent College, they both felt called back into the L'Abri ministry. They spent ten years working at the English L'Abri, and then joined the Rochester team in 2000.
Debbie Shoemaker
Debbie grew up in California, raising her ten children in the Sacramento area. While doing so, she obtained her BA from EPIC Bible College and Graduate School. In 2016 she was made aware of the Schaeffer’s and their work. This began a new journey in her life where she began visiting the Rochester branch of L’Abri, coming on staff in 2023. In addition to serving at L’Abri, Debbie is continuing her pastoral education through taking various online theological courses.
Debbie loves the Lord and values her relationship with Him. In that, she also enjoys tending to others through care and hospitality, gardening, being with friends and her big family, and loving on her many (25+) grandchildren.
Debbie loves the Lord and values her relationship with Him. In that, she also enjoys tending to others through care and hospitality, gardening, being with friends and her big family, and loving on her many (25+) grandchildren.
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