God's Young Co-worker

What Hilda Broks personally received from the gospel motivated her to actively seek to win others for Christ.

Hilda Broks was born in 1892 in the little village of Mehamn in Finnmark, North Norway. She was an artistic and gifted girl, who would eventually become one of the church’s beloved songwriters.

While still very young, Hilda sensed God working in her heart, and at 17 years of age, she gave her life to Him. Three years later, when she was 20, she went to Oslo to attend school.

In Oslo, Hilda started attending church services led by Thorleif Hansen, who was leader of the church at that time. There, she met the church and heard about a life of victory over sin. She was excited about what she heard. Gradually, as she lived out the gospel in her own life, she began to focus her musical abilities on writing songs. Between 1916 and 1919, she wrote 14 songs that can today be found in Ways of the Lord.

In 1917, Hilda found work in Bergen and moved there. She was a pioneer in the history of the church in Norway’s westernmost city. What Hilda personally received from the gospel motivated her to actively seek to win others for Christ. She started holding house meetings, and her little house became the first gathering place for the friends in Bergen. Johan O. Smith had tremendous confidence in Hilda Broks and in the work she accomplished.

Only two or three years after moving to Bergen, Hilda became sick and returned to Oslo. There she died of tuberculosis in 1920, only 28 years of age.

Despite her short time in Bergen, she accomplished a foundational work that was very significant for the church, which has continued to grow and develop in this city.

Today, we are so thankful for all of the good songs Hilda left us with—songs that were born during her short but wholehearted life in God.

Better to obey than sacrifice—

We must listen and take heed.

First, we need to hear the Word of Christ,

Then obey His will with speed.

Not all those will enter in who’ve

With their lips the Lord professed.

They must bear their cross, God’s will to do,

And through death go into rest.

Bearing Jesus’ yoke is worth the price,

And His burden is so light.

Those who find their life and learn of Christ