This is a great book to introduce any young person to the idea of legacy. L’Abri communities and the writings of Francis and Edith Schaeffer may be familiar to many in the Christian world today but, in simple narrative, Rachel Lane communicates to new readers how this unique ministry began. We are introduced to the early lives of Francis and Edith in the United States, their courtship, marriage, Francis’ seminary preparation and pastorate, through to their later call to serve the Church in Europe where help was needed to ‘strengthen the things that remain’.

Obedience to this call would mean relocating to Switzerland with their three daughters, Priscilla, Susan and Debby (a son, Franky, is born later), and it is clear from the narrative that, in many respects, it was a family ministry which would unfold. This recounting of Francis and Edith Schaeffer’s story illustrates something of the adventure of a life lived by faith, and the power of the hospitality of a Christian home. It is inspiring to recognize that one couple’s obedience, and a family’s commitment to sharing Christ’s love and truth with others, was the genesis of every L’Abri community today.

Gayle Maynard, ETS