The woman on the stage is Miriam Haukelidsæter (94). Her daughter Marit Olsen (50) is sitting next to her.
Marit talks about growing up in a very hospitable home in central Oslo. Before the conferences, they always had visits from friends traveling from other places.
“There was a great atmosphere, conversation, and music late into the night,” she says.
Miriam took care of the guests, and as a young girl, Marit helped out—sometimes, at least, she says and laughs.
Her mother looks at her with an indefinable expression and makes no comment. The eloquent silence causes the entire hall to burst into laughter.
It’s about daily salvation
The festive evening began with a message by Kåre J. Smith, and the theme for the evening is: “Take hold of eternal life.”
For Miriam, aged 94, this is much more than just nice words. She recounts from her own life how she experiences this in practice.
“Every day, you have to fight the good fight, take up your cross, and deny yourself, as Jesus taught us,” says Miriam.
She says that she often thinks about the verses in Psalm 118:24–25: This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it! Save now, I pray, O Lord. Lord, grant us success!
– Suddenly, Johan O. Smith placed his hand on h– Whether we experience prosperity or hardship, it will lead to salvation, says Miriam.
A happy childhood filled with fun and festivity
Miriam grew up in Horten under the preaching of Johan O. Smith, which shaped both her life and the home she would eventually build with her husband and children.
She has never forgotten one memory from her childhood: One evening on their way home from the meeting hall, she and her father met Johan O. Smith, on the street.
“Suddenly, he placed his hand on my head and blessed me. It made a big impression on me,” says Miriam.
She goes on to say that it was not “legalistic” with lots of rules. There was a lot of fun and festivity, and they often went on trips to the beach because Johan O. Smith wanted there to good enjoyable fellowship.
– I am very grateful for the good and healthy upbringing I had. It has helped me throughout my life, says Miriam.
Room to grow and a natural life
Her daughter Marit also experienced the same kind of childhood.
– I was allowed to be 100% myself. There was plenty of room to develop at home, and I was able to develop naturally. We learned that to be spiritual is to be natural, she says, adding:
Being a Christian is enjoyable!
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