Kim & Annie ~ Our PNG Missionary Friends

Last week our long-time friends, Kim and Annie, stopped by for an overnight visit on their way over to the Peninsula. They are in the states for a few months before returning back to Papua New Guinea. We enjoyed catching up with their lives, hearing stories, and seeing pictures of their home in the village where they do translation work.

It was so encouraging to hear that "the task" of translating the New Testament is coming along. The book of Mark was translated into the Tami language, reviewed, and published awhile back, and they are working on the other gospels and epistles, Acts, and some of the Psalms. This is their life's work, and they plan to be there for at least another 11 years, Lord willing.

After our meal we looked at several of the books that Annie wrote and is teaching to the women in the village so they can read their own language.

I was amazed that the word for a snake is "mama." Not a very comforting thought!

Here's Sarah looking over one of the Bible story books and talking to Annie about her experiences with the Tami people.

One of my favorite stories they told was about their youngest daughter graduating from the mission school which their children attended while they were in PNG.

At the graduation, all the students were to march down the aisle dressed in their home country's clothing. Many prom dresses, heels, and typical American clothing were seen as the students began their processional. But...there was one lone student who dressed in a grass skirt and was barefoot to represent her home country of PNG. She was only three when her parents, Kim and Annie, began their ministry, and she considered PNG her native country and wanted to dress in a costume to represent her heritage. How very special!

We enjoyed our short visit very much and have a better idea of how to pray for Kim and Annie as they return to the field.

And what visit can be complete without Sarah's dessert? This time she tried a new recipe ~ Orange Chip Cheesecake. Recipe on continuation if you're interested.

~Deb

Orange Chip Cheesecake

• 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
• 3/4 to 1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 chocolate crumb or graham cracker crust (9 inches)

Topping:

• 1-1/2 cups (12 ounces) sour cream
• 2 Tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
• Additional chocolate chips

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Add salt and orange extract; beat just until blended. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour into crust. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until center is almost set. Remove from the oven; increase temperature to 425 degrees.

In a bowl, combine sour cream, sugar and vanilla; spread over cheesecake. Bake 5 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Refrigerate overnight. Just before serving, garnish with oranges and additional chocolate chips. Yield: 8 servings.

Comments

[Tammy]

It was neat to see a picture of Kim and Annie.I didn't realize that they are still missionaries.How many years now?

I can still remember calling Annie to tell her that I had just heard her name on the radio.I know that was about 25 years ago.

[Pam]

There's a couple at our church whose son & daughter-in-law (and their 5 children) are serving as missionaries in PNG, too. Their names are Charlie & Amy Brown. Small world, isn't it?

[Victoria]

It's always such a blessing to have missionaries come visit and share how God is working in their part of the world. I'm sure you really enjoyed your interesting visitors.

Victoria

[Susan]

It brought tears to my eyes to read about the couple's daughter wearing the native dress of PNG. I love it! When God calls you to a place, it becomes home.

[Islandsparrow]

Roger and I went to Bible College with a couple who are now missionaries in PNG too.

Such interesting work - I'm sure it's quite a challenge.

Sounds like you had a lovely evening - and Sarah's dessert looks like the perfect finishing touch!

[Sherrin]

It is wonderful that they have a long term commitment to the people there.

Sarah's dessert looks simply amazing! I always love shiny fruit on a dessert, especially oranges. So beautiful!