Some Events From Childhood

To understand what happened in the revival, I think it is necessary to give a little background of the church in Oslo during my childhood years. Some things happened there that have given me much to ponder to this day. In many ways, both my home and the church were a child’s paradise, but not ev­eryone understood the way to a happy life for themselves and those around them. I have also experienced things later in life that are thought provoking and very instructive.

Rakel and Sigurd Bratlie, with their son Sigurd Johan, rented an apartment for 42 years from my parents at 29 Kjelsåsveien. Sigurd Bratlie was the worldwide leader of the church for many years, along with my uncle, Aksel J. Smith. Rakel Bratlie, who was also a daughter of Johan O. Smith, had been her father’s editorial secretary for many years, and after his death she worked closely on the publication of the paper Skjulte Skatter with her brother Aksel. At home in Kjelsåsveien there was a keen awareness of church history, and much of it was formed right there.

In Oslo there was another brother of some prominence: Enok Hansen. He was a gifted speaker and capable leader, but he will hardly be remembered for his virtues in Christ. On the contrary, most people remember him for his ice-cold, in­tellectual demeanor.

When I turned 12, I got my first 3-speed bicycle, despite the fact that Enok Hansen, in one of his many messages, had spo­ken against multiple-speed bicycles as being worldly and un­fitting for a Christian. Fully aware of my parents’ open dis­agreement with him, I met Hansen on my new bicycle. I boldly showed it off to a stiff and silent Hansen. Deep in my heart, I knew that this man had no right to take away my childhood joy because of a bicycle, and I felt peace and happiness in dis­playing our family’s disagreement with his understanding of true Christianity.

Unfortunately, Enok Hansen’s life in the church was char­acterized by ambition and desire for power, and he came to a sorry end. Ultimately, Elias Aslaksen confronted him about all his backbiting, and he was forced to withdraw from all leader­ship responsibilities. His envy of Sigurd Bratlie could no longer remain hidden. Citing ill health, he withdrew alto­gether from the activities of the church, and he has unfortu­nately become a reminder of how someone can be destroyed by honor and envy.