Revival in the Air

Most people in the church, and virtually the entire youth group, were sick and tired of this spectacle. Furthermore, they had been able to see clearly for themselves what Chris­tianity was not. The two different spiritual understandings that were such a contrast to what the church proclaims had been brightly illuminated, and a historic object lesson had put a stop to their development.

In autumn 1990 and spring 1991, a whole flock of young people in Oslo were in great need and despair over what they had experienced as treason against the church. In the winter of 1990–1991, a series of Bible studies and prayer meetings were held, directed at the youth, in which many of the younger ones broke through. On one hand, you could say that the youth stood on one side together with the elder brothers, and on the other side stood a whole group of people my own age.

On Saturday, June 15, 1991, there was a youth conference in Oslo where several youth groups from the eastern part of Norway also participated. I led the meeting, and there was a very powerful, quickening Spirit present. At the same time, many listeners who opposed this Spirit were present. It was very clear that the youth stood united in the Holy Spirit and were one with the eldest brothers in the church. Many opposers tried to influence their children, and this created a great need among them for a personal connection with Christ.

The summer conference at Brunstad continued along the same lines, with a continuously increasing need among the youth that God in His omnipotence must act. This need spread through the church more and more during that au­tumn.

The youth from Oslo went on a trip to Torsteinslåtta in September 1991, and Bernt Stadven was invited. My uncle, Aksel J. Smith, just happened to be at Torsteinslåtta that weekend, with Sigurd Olsen, his son-in-law, and Sverre L. Riksfjord for a few days of relaxation. Quite a few young people from other churches had asked if they could also come, as it was very clear that the young people in Oslo had already entered into something completely new.

In the end, it turned out to be a youth gathering at Torsteinslåtta with Aksel J. Smith as an unexpected “guest.” And here, with no opposers present and with Aksel J. Smith in their midst, the young people could freely pour out their needs. People began to pray with and for others, and as time went on, they formed smaller prayer groups or prayer rings. A fierce and historic revival finally broke through, and this gathering was the start of an awakening that would spread to every corner of the earth. Because of it, thousands of people have made a new beginning, and the church will never be the same again.

In September 1991, Sigurd Bratlie made me a co-elder in Oslo, and I was presented on the same level as he and Bernt Stadven. Olaf Bekkevold had placed himself completely on the outside. I have never seen anyone who has received greater grace and been shown more longsuffering than Olaf Bekkevold. In any case, it was not Sigurd Bratlie’s goodness that destroyed him, but his own obstinance.