Canadian L’Abri is situated on one of the Gulf Islands at the mouth of Howe Sound, a twenty-minute ferry ride from West Vancouver. It is set in 21 acres of beautiful rain forest with 2 small lakes and open grassy fields. As L’Abri just came into possession of this property in July 2003, we are still in the set-up phase and there is much renovation and building to be done. At the moment we are only two families on site. However we have started with what we have and do plan to be open for terms and shorter stays as we are able.

L’Abri, French for “the shelter”, is a community of homes: families and singles living an ordered life where together we seek to demonstrate the existence of God. We are not an academic institution, conference center or quiet retreat facility (there are some great ones around us if you’re interested). Visitors coming from all kinds of backgrounds, world views, ages and occupations may share in our normal family lives, and witness our core belief; that the God of the Bible is really there, and that Christianity is true. Some who come to L’Abri do not consider themselves Christians, but wish to examine Christianity from the inside and ask their questions. Others have a desire to better understand their Christian faith and how it relates to the culture and times in which they live. Many come at times of personal struggle or indecision in their lives, seeking help and support. Whatever are their reasons for coming, people’s ideas, questions and struggles are taken seriously. As we work, study, eat and play together, there is plenty of time to talk with others about things that matter, and work through important issues. Workers, (who are permanent community members), and visitors alike, spend several hours each day in practical work (gardening, chopping wood, cooking etc,) and several hours in directed study. At this infant state of Canadian L’Abri our study time on open days takes the form of a short talk followed by discussion.

As well as work and study, we are committed, as Workers, to a life of prayer as we seek to live out the reality of a God who is not only there, but who acts and speaks into our world; changing lives, providing for need and answering specific prayer. Although without prayer our work here could not exist, we do not make divisions between ‘spiritual’ activities and non-spiritual ones, religious occupations and non-religious occupations. This is because we maintain that Christianity speaks to all of human experience, embracing every thing to do with our minds, bodies and souls. It is therefore, relevant to every area of life and culture, art, science politics etc.

Each person who comes to L’Abri brings his or her own valuable life experience, skills, academic or professional direction and interests. As they participate in the daily reality of an extended family, with all it’s mundane chores to be done and the beauty and confusion which children and animals bring, they will be participating in a way of life where faith and occupation are integrated. Where work, study and prayer are all of one piece in the fabric of human experience lived out under God.