Easter Letter, 1972

Rural Preaching Point in Parana, Brazil, 1970's

Maringa, Parana

 April 11, 1972

Dear friends and brothers in Christ:

Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost greetings to you all!  I'd meant to get off a Christmas letter, but it just woudn't "jell".  So this letter will have a little "hash" flavor to it, a mixture of different things.

First, the gist of what was to be the Christmas letter:

Theme thought:  "They grew him old too soon, and when they turned again to look on him they beheld...  a babe still lying in a manger; God's mystery still intact."

They look on him, these people with their "hip-pocket god".

They have all the answers, they know all the truth, and so 

HURRY BABY, GROW.

There's a crisis on, you know.

There's a nation to be built, a world to be saved.  My house isn't paid for, and men are enslaved.

So they grab the baby and grow him up fast,

Flesh out his muscles with their Positive Thought,

Stand him on boxes so He towers over all.

And fill out his education with a transplant to His head:  

The latest in tape-recorders with the best that's been said.

NOW, DO YOUR THING, GOD--- we're waiting.

Well, wait.

Wait til the Babe grows up in his own good time,

Wait til He bends his finger-- and shatters our universe.

Wait til He grows tall-- so tall we see Him from our knees.

Wait til He speaks, and our words are stopped midcourse in wretched shame.

Wait, -- and look again at a God no man can hurry, no man can shape.

NOW, DO YOUR THING MAN---  God is waiting.

Worship.

News of the parish and of the church:

We had a rather intensive schedule during the Lenten season, but it was rewarding, too.  It began witha youth retreat in Cianorte during the weekend of Carnaval that ends Ash Wednesday.  Even though it rained cloudbursts every day, we had a blessed retreat.  A total of 75 young people participated.

Special services were held every night in different points of the parish.  Our theme may sound rather blatant to some ears, "Enemies that War Against our Soul (life with God)".  The enemies considered were Insubordination, Sensuality, Avarice, Vices, Satan, False Religion.  Did somebody groan?

Of the approximately 600 people who make up our parish, 225 communed on or about Good Friday.  On or about, because we have eight meeting places in the parish, the most distant being a 3-hour drive away.

 A rural German Lutheran family in Parana, Brazil, 1970's

I think where I felt the greatest joy was at a small rural community where the men had a long tradition of never communing.  Not too long ago we had a long talk about that and they became obedient to the Word of Christ.  However, we separated the communion from the worship service and have the communion just before the coffee and cake that always comes about the middle of the afternoon.  (Church is at 12:00 in the home of a member).  All who are confirmed gather around the table.  We have the service and then pass first the plate and then the chalice form person to person at the appropriate moment.

An old German lives there, sharp of mind, fingers gnarled and stiff like old iron hooks; he has been many things, including a communist.  Twice he's given me essays he wrote, one on what's wrong with Einstein's concept of space and the other on what's wrong with Einstein's concept of time.  Before, when we've had Communion, he's stayed home;  this time he came.  However, when we were ready to begin the Supper, he disappeared.

"Whup!  Wait a minute!  Where's Uncle August?" asks one of his nephews (who is already a grandfather).

"I think I saw him down under the orange trees."

"Well, we better get him, too."

Afterward, they are talking very freely during coffee about it (there are no whispered conversations in Keller.)

"Yes,"  allows Uncle August, "it's the first time I've taken Communion."  So, he hadn't finished confirmation in Germany.  Then he chuckles and says about the Supper, "but, I guess it didn't do any harm."  And, he seems somehow very satisfied with that summation.

Afterward, he slipped me one more essay he'd written:  this time on the "soul" and the "spirit".

Next weekend there will be a District Conference of the Church at which time our district will be subdivided into North and South.  The North, of which we are a part of, will have ten of the smallest and largest parishes of the church: smallest numerically, largest geographically.  All receive some kind of subsidy from the church and are multiple point parishes.

Significant and basic decisions will soon be made about the type of ministry which will be carried out here; whether it will be traditional, "worker-priest", self-serving, missionary or whatever.  Pray for us.

The Bible Institute in Londrinda now has 32 students doing the Bible Course while continuing with their secular studies.  

In Christ,

the Biels  (Clifford)

Family is well.

Christmas Letter 1972

Dear friends in Christ:

Greetings once again at this Merrie  Xmas time!  We hope You-Know-who  is running your lives and that as a result you are reveling in the ever more abundant riches of His kindness.  And if he's NOT running your life, well then, we hope your world gets shaken to its sandy foundations to the point where you can take Psalm 119:65-72 for your very own.

A Christmas Meditation:  "No Pill for Mary"

She could have taken a pill--
Well, not that kind exactly sold
by Druggists everywhere (you know:
the Miracle for Today- "Dance the Piper's free)--
her "NO" would do as well,
Though then she'd miss the pleasure.

They hadn't learned yet,
in the Oldene Dayes,
The trick of it,
How to Dance to God's Tune
and not to pay the Piper.

It must have been delightful talking
To God with Him, for once, responding.
Delightful, but for the pain
in what He had to say.

There must be a way to have the pleasure
but not the pain.
Mary didn't know it... (could we say,
She didn't want it?)
Her pleasure included the message's pain.

For there would be pain:
   The pain in Joseph's heart: "An angel
   told me, Joseph dear,
   This child's from God."
   And then, his pain,
   "An angel?  Oh, yes.  Oh, God!"

   The People Pain, "You're gaining weight, Mary."
   "You'll be marrying soon, Mary?"
   "Such a shame you couldn't wait..."
   Talk, borne silently, for what could she say?
   "It's not Joseph's child..."?
   "This angel said to me..."?

   The mother's pain, for a child
   she bore but could never claim.
   "A sword shall pierce your heart."

PAIN.  She must have sensed the pain.
And with the pain, her pleasure:

   "Here am I, I am the Lord's servant;
   As you have spoken, so be it."

Can there be pleasure had
in mere talk, even with God Himself?
If nothing is said, the message doesn't matter?
What joy is had by those who take a Pill,
Then sit in t cozy sterility at God's feet
As all his words point robustly beyond them
to borning Life?

What Light!  What Sound!  God's messenger arrived!
God, give me pleasure!  God, give me pain!
Let my pleasure be the pain
of the Word you have spoken
coming to triumphant life.

No pills, to save me from your action!

Sweep up in the whirling winds
of your might plans
My Life.

"Here am I, I am the Lord's servant;
As you have spoken, so be it."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Highlights of the work here:

The VIII General Convention of the IECLB:  I had the rare privilege of attending as the pastor-delegate from the Northern District of the State of Parana.  What was especially inspiring was a new self-awareness generally evident, that the time is now for the IECLB (The Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confessions in Brazil) to be a living witness to the Lordship of Jesus Christ to the Brazilian people.  Motions were passed preparing the way for more aggressive financial and evangelistic planning.  Also, a new "Document for Faith and Life" was adopted, beautifully written in Portuguese.  It showed a slight ambiguity at one point, the Lord's Supper, leaving the door open for those in our church of a more Reformed orientation.

A RETREAT:  WHERE ARE WE GOING?  Organized here in the North of Parana for the purpose of restructuring, if necessary, the work here.  Two members of the Executive Committee of the IECLB were present, and about thirty laymen and pastors from the North of Parana.  It was held here in Maringa.  The women of the congregation did a marvelous job of organizing, everybody cooperated beautifully.  The results:  some parishes were restructured into team ministries.  It was decided to work for a Visitation Pastor in the District whose task would be to make systematic visits with special program to all of the principal congregations each year, in our District.  Special attention will be given to Stewardship and Evangelization.  A questionnaire had been distributed by the District Council to all the members of our church in the North Parana District.  Among other things, it showed average family size to be about 3 children, average admitted gross income to be about $2,000 dollars a year.  A relatively sever language problem still exists, and the people are relatively conservative ecclesiastically.  And, they want more Bible studies and the overwhelming majority thinks that there should be more Brazilians in our churches.  It was decided that our district should think of itself as a "living shoot" and not a dead branch of the church.  Where are we going?  Where the Lord leads us!

++++++++++++++++++++

The biggest family news is that we are on the "22-2" plan, and will be home for furlough for two months in July and August.  We plan on deplaning in Miami, buying a car and driving up through North Carolina (newton), Columbus, Ohio, and on through Iowa and up to Minnesota.  Exact dates have not been fixed as yet.

Brazil is now the world's no. 2 exporter of soybeans.

I guess that's not really family news.  We're all in relatively good health.  Donna is letting her hair grow longer.  Rachel is starting to exhibit some disturbingly ladylike symptoms at intervals.  Charles is highly imaginative.  I wish he would settle down and be as serious at least as Jerry Lewis.  And, Helen is still very much the cuddly baby of the family, though she shows signs of outgrowing that.  She's reading quite well.

Merry Christamas, and a Happy New Year!

Cordially,

Cliff, Donna, Rachel, Charles and Helen

Letter from Donna, February 25, 1972

 Helen leaning against the church.

My Aunt Marian kept many of the letters my mother, Donna Biel, wrote to her.  She recently returned them.  The most interesting parts are recorded here.  This one was written on the back of a letter my father wrote.

The pillows are very cute.  Helen thought it funny that her pillow has a little pillow.  They will look nice on their beds.  They didn't have anything on their beds for decorative purposes.  I take it from the two different sizes of panties that you didn't know what would fit.  The smallest one fits.  I lost the 10 lbs. I had gained on furlough.  I should try to lose more but haven't tried.

...  If we go on our two month furlough next year we are thinking of doing what Gaylord Grant did.  With money that it would cost to fly Miami-Mpls, they bought a used car, went through Kennedy Space Center and did other sight seeing.  If we do this we could visit sponsoring churches in N.C. and Ohio plus visit you on our way to Minnesota.  I think we should plan on staying three weeks so we don't lose much time traveling back and forth.  We have asked for Mid-June to Mid-august.  That way the children won't miss much, if any school.

Helen had dilation of the urethra the 1st of February.  She stayed one day in the hospital with a catheter in.  I'm happy to be able to write that since then she hasn't had anymore wetting in the day time but still wears diapers at night.  Helen was sick a week ago with an infection of the larynx.  She had a high fever but with medication she was soon well again.  Next week she goes back to the Brazilian kindergarten after a 2 month vacation. 

I have received the Calvert Correspondence course for Helen for 1st Grade.  One of our missionary families was going to use it but they are resigning due to health problems.  This course is the same one I used for 1st grade for Rachel.  I have showed Helen many of the letters and how they are printed but she doesn't know the names of the letters.  Rachel and Charles will continue at the small American School in August.  Charles will continue to be the only one in his grade.

Their newest pet is Duchess, a lovely half grown kitten that is white except for black tail, ears, and one spot on her back.  Charles is already planning on kittens and hopes the father will be our male cat, Blackie.

 Dutchess and her kittens.

The past two weeks we have had almost continuous rain- either fine drizzle or cloud burst.  The ceilings have started to get moldy plus shoes we don't use often.  We had a cool summer with a lot of rain in December.  Some say it hasn't rained this much in 20 years.

The next page is a note from Rachel

Dear Auntie Marian,

How are you?  I am fine.

Thank you for the present and candy.  I got a bike for Christmas.  I also got a bracelet.  How was your Christmas?  Ours was nice except for the afternoon.  I was trying to ride my bike and BANG (big shaky block letters) into the tree I went.  I couldn't walk well for three weeks.  On vacation we had Vacation Bible School and I cut my hair.  Helen has her hair cut short also.

Well, I guess that's all so good-bye and thank you again.

Love,  Rachel

P.S.  The candy is very good.

Letter from Cliff, February 2, 1972

 Cliff and Donna Biel, Early 1970's

My Aunt Marian kept many of the letters my mother, Donna Biel, wrote to her.  She recently returned them.  The most interesting parts are recorded here.  This one is from my father.

Dear Marian + Frank:

Hello to you, too!  And happy new year!  We got your packages today- thank you!  All that candy- what a blow below the belt!  You hit me in my weak spot: the mouth.

I just couldn't get handles on a Christmas letter this year, but Donna did, bless her.  She's been upset though, not hearing from anybody on her side of the family and almost nobody on ours.

We just had our Carnaval Bible Camp- went really well in spite of the rain every day.  In our room there were about 15 mattresses scattered on the floor, so close they were almost one bed.  (Did I say mattresses?  Rather, lumpy, slightly damp, holey, smelly old straw ticks).  But that was only for sleeping.

Donna just left to go visiting.  She and one or two of the ladies are going to new prospects to or to old hard-cases (women all) and making visits and they're having a good effect.

I'm going every night now except Monday to a different place for special services.

An interesting case stopped by the other day- an oldish German who was operated on for cancer of the larynx but they didn't get it all.  He was on his way in to Rio to see if he could get free cobalt treatment.  We "talked" quite a bit.

His story:  POW in Siberia from 1945 to 1953, released in '54, he came to Brazil.  His family was all killed during the war.  Why POW so long?  He was a member of the SS- Tank division (Konigtiger), 52 tons.

Anyway, I believed him, gave him passage to Rio, a Bible (in German).

Then a little later a drunk came by.  "Jesus brought me here", he said.  So I asked him if he was an evangelical and he said yes, but separated from the Assembly of God by Vice of Drinking.  "But, when I fell, it wasn't my fault", he said.  So as soon as he said that, I knew he was just wasting time.  So I gave him directions to the Assembly church and he lurked off: in the opposite direction.

How's your family?  We're all fine here.

We bought an old, used piano for Rachel to start taking lessons.  The teacher comes for half an hour, three times a week.  The piano, bought from a Canadian family, cost- get this- $460.00.  New it would cost around a thousand.  That's one thing I like about Brasil:  old things still maintain their value.

Possibly, we'll be home in '73 for a 2 month visit.  Our mission has a new option for missionaries called 22-2, twenty-two months service, two months furlough.  We won't know for a while if it goes through or not (our application).

Rachel and Charles ride their bikes to school now.  Charles tripped over (by our street corner) the other day- came yelling home.  "My head, my head!"  "Ehhh!"  Couldn't find the lump.  "Ai My arm's broken!"  Next day after school, "Ai, My arm's not broken but it's out of joint!"  He gets beside himself, magnifies.

Guess this is it for now,

Bye,

Joey