About Us
Paul and Laurence Smith
Paul, American-born, Laurence, French-born have been married since 1991.
Our history
We met at a Christian university in the U.S. and have since raised three children to adulthood in a bilingual, bicultural home. Over the years, Laurence became a licensed psychologist in France, and Paul earned a master’s degree in pastoral counseling. Together, we dreamed of creating a space to care for others in need. In 2020, between Covid lockdowns, God led us to Béziers. We’ve since prepared our new home—a gift from the Lord—to welcome and support His wounded and weary servants.
Our mission
Our mission is to offer a place of rest, renewal, and restoration for God’s servants in need—missionaries, pastors, and ministry leaders—through compassionate hospitality, biblical counseling, and Spirit-led care. We believe that healing happens in safe spaces, and we desire to walk alongside those who carry burdens too heavy to bear alone.
What does Barac Shalom mean?
While the two words are Hebrew, shalom meaning peace and barac meaning to bless. It is also a play on words with French slang. Baraque is a slang word in the French language for house. Therefore a French Christian could automatically think "house of peace." It was too irresistible not to use.
