The concept behind L'Abri was birthed out of the disunity of apartheid South Africa. A youth worker back in 1984 had a vision to bring young people back to the simplicity of a natural, balanced environment and guide them in a reconciliation process, bridging cultural and social boundaries.

His dream was realised when he established the L'Abri Wilderness Training School on a property North of Pietermaritzburg. The facilities had been erected in 1974 for a centre of rest and restoration for busy people based on a Swiss model influenced by the work of philosopher Francis Schaeffer. By 1984, the property owner, Mrs Marshall, no longer stayed on the land and was delighted with the vision proposed by Youth For Christ employee Denis Drennan. She consequently donated the property.