Laying hold of eternal life in everyday life

9. March 2026

Text: Eva-Marie Mihai / Photo: BCC

The woman on stage is Mirjam 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.

Mirjam Haukelidsæter (94) with her daughter Marit Olsen (50).

Miriam took care of the guests, and as a young girl, Marit helped out—”More or less,” 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: “Lay hold of eternal life.”

Kåre J. Smith started the evening with a message.

For 94-year-old Mirjam, this is much more than just fine 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 Mirjam.

She says that she often thinks about the verses in Psalm 118:24–25: “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I pray, O Lord. O Lord, I pray, send now prosperity.”

“Whether times are good or bad, this will lead to salvation,” says Mirjam.

A happy childhood filled with fun and joy

Mirjam 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 Mirjam.

She goes on to say that it was not “legalistic” with lots of rules. There was a lot of fun and joy, and they often went on outings to the beach because Johan O. Smith wanted there to be good fellowship.

“I am very grateful for the good and sound upbringing I had. It has helped me throughout my life,” says Miriam.

The choir contributed with several songs during the feast.

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!”