Opened in June 2011 after several months of refurbishing, missionaries from SIM, CMS, WEC, SU, TEAR, BCS, UCA, YM, CM, BC and independent missions have already enjoyed taking 'timeout'.
Well-Being Australia chairman Mark Tronson and his wife Delma who co-ordinate Laguna Quays respite said the frame was already there and local engineering shed proprietor Sean Spencer has secured the frame and added a potting shelf along each side.
In August the designer shade cloth will be attached and secured by Petersfield Nursery as a walk in green house.
Delma Tronson, a green thumb, explained that many of the missionaries who have visited Laguna Quays Respite are keen gardeners and enjoy "potting" as a relaxation potion, something many Australians appreciate.
The green house's shade cloth will cover the top and will only come down each side to the height of the potting shelves where the shade cloth will be secured. In other words, it is designed to be walk through with the lower section of each side open.
March to November
The months of March through to November has seen so many missionary bookings that in some situations it has been head to toe - one group left one day and the following day another group arrived.
Last month was a typical example. Bible College missionaries were at the Laguna Quays Respite cottage from the last week of June through to the end of the first week of July. They were followed by Church Army missionaries for the second week of July, then the third week saw the cottage occupied by missionaries who had served in South America for 25 years.
The fourth week of July saw missionaries serving in South East Asia and within of few days of their departure Mark and Delma Tronson return on August 5 to see the green house's shade cloth established, along with another 25 foot palm tree being planted.
In October last year five 25 foot Foxtail Palm Trees were planted along the front of the cottage and five 15 foot Foxtail's along the western side of the cottage. This additional Foxtail is being planted at the eastern side back corner.
In June, Delma Tronson planted four passionate seedings, six paw-paw seedings and a nut tree seeding given to her by local developer and good friends Garry and Hilda Poole along with a ute load of top soil and a ute load of horse manure.
Missionary Respite
Respite has a rich history from Jesus himself and to more modern Christian leaders such as the great London Victorian preacher of the later half of the 1800' C H Spurgeon. In his book "Lectures to my Students" C H Spurgeon spoke of how he would leave his pastorate in London to escape to "a resting place in France".
http://au.christiantoday.com/article/ministerial-meltdown-part-i/13299.htm
Mark and Delma Tronson who have been faith financed missionaries for 30 years. They established Basil Sellers Moruya (1992) and Basil Sellers Tweed (2006) respite facilities for Australian Institute of Sport elite athletes and their coaches and families.
When Mark Tronson fell ill through stress in 1999 he realized there was a need to provide a respite facility for missionaries and full time church personnel, a service to the Lord for all the various mission societies whether they be denominational, long established missions or independent missionaries.
It wasn't until 2010 when his health further deteriorated and he sought assistance from Centrelink and discovered, even with medical reports, his situation did not fit their boxes, that he felt it was the Lord's touch to finally get the missionary respite house up and running, as much for themselves, as for others.
Mr Basil Sellers AM who has supported Mark and Delma Tronson's mission activities over many years was once again pleased to assist the project. With his wide ministry network as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (ret 2000) and with his Olympic ministry credentials since 1984 and AIS athlete respite ministries, the PR process to missionaries fell into place with confidence and assurance.
Intimate Knowledge
Knowing intimately about missionary finance, Mark Tronson was determined there would be no fee, but if anyone wished to make a gifting they could. For those who flew into Proserpine, a respite facility's dual cab vehicle was available to them. The driver after collecting them from the airport, takes them grocery shopping in Proserpine, then after reaching Laguna Quays, leaves the vehicle with them for their use. He collects them again to deliver them to the airport for their return journey.
Local respite coordinators Sean and Sue Spencer connect with the missionary visitors over a cuppa and meets any out-of-the ordinary needs, and Sean offers fishing and Sue craft classes.
The Laguna Quays respite has three bedrooms with all the normal household items. Mark Tronson said it has been overwhelming in the Lord to see the Laguna Quays Respite for missionaries being so well received as a touch from the Lord.
Mission people wishing a visit please contact Well-Being Australia's Mark Tronson timeout@bushorchestra.com or 0487 245 207
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html
