An Agnostic Finds Answers
Francis Schaeffer was born on January 30, 1912, in Germantown, Pennsylvania, to parents who were only nominally Christian. Without any satisfying answers to life's fundamental questions, Schaeffer drifted into agnosticism during his high school years, despite attending a liberal Presbyterian church. However, a turning point came on August 19, 1930, when Schaeffer attended an evangelistic tent meeting. After reading the Bible in its entirety, he accepted the altar call, giving his life to Jesus. This decision marked a dramatic transformation in his life.
Schaeffer's newfound faith led him to leave trade school and pursue higher education, eventually graduating magna cum laude from Hampden-Sydney College in 1935. His academic achievements were accompanied by a deepening relationship with God, which became the foundation of his future ministry. In 1935, he married Edith Seville and together they embarked on a path of Christian service, pastoring churches and eventually moving to Europe to assess the spiritual needs there.
In 1951, Francis faced a profound spiritual crisis in Europe, questioning whether the promises he relied on about God’s transformative work were true. Through this period of doubt, he emerged with greater confidence in his faith and a renewed vision. This led to the founding of L'Abri Fellowship in Huémoz-sur-Ollon, Switzerland, on June 5, 1955, with Edith by his side. L'Abri became a haven where seekers could find answers to their deepest questions and experience authentic Christian community. As Schaeffer explained, "This was the real basis of L'Abri. Teaching the historic Christian answers and giving honest answers to honest questions are crucial."
Under Schaeffer’s leadership, L'Abri thrived, welcoming an average of 31 visitors each week during the summer of 1956. The ministry expanded to England in 1958 and eventually reached the United States. Through prayer and reliance on God's provision, the Schaeffers witnessed firsthand how Jesus could transform lives. Francis Schaeffer passed away on May 15, 1984, leaving a legacy of unwavering faith and a ministry that continues to impact lives today.
