Perhaps the most critical people involved in Olympic ministry are the spouses of those on the front line. Sharon Mings and Delma Tronson, the women behind two of the world's Sports Ministry's champion's for Jesus, the USA's Sam Mings and Australia's Mark Tronson, two years ago, had time to compare notes and it is to this that Delma Tronson has been reflecting on 'Ministry spouse partnership'.
Sharon Mings has been married for 49 years, Delma Tronson 35 years. Sharon has grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Delma has one grandchild. Sharon Mings has raised and educated a family and looked after her household and husband as a sports ministry faith financed missionary for 33 years, Delma Tronson has done the same for 30 years in sports ministry faith funded ministry.
Sharon and Delma have both been mission partners, respectively, to Sam Mings in his ministry, Lay Witnesses for Christ (Chaplains to the world's Olympians); and Mark Tronson (Well-Being Australia). They both attend meetings when at times they would rather be somewhere else.
They are both very creative. For example, they are good cooks, and enjoy their time in the kitchen. When given an apron with Australian flags, the first thing Sharon Mings exclaimed was, "I'm going to put that on right now," and Sharon did just that.
They are both also creative in the way they minister. Sharon helps Sam hone his ideas and together they come up with ministry projects and opportunities. Delma is known by her family as 'Mrs Common Sense' and Mark was advised by the inaugural chairman of his sports ministry, to consult Delma before finalising any decision.
Over that four day period twelve months ago Sharon and Delma spent a considerable time together.
This included a Saturday evening Loving Partners Valentine's Dinner at the Mings' church in Dallas, a Sunday morning worship service followed by a late lunch; the Monday night 'Gala Awards' presentation, and a Tuesday evening of 'Texan ribs' at the Fort Worth Stockyards tourist hub.
Delma Tronson said, "It was really special being with Sharon as we shared many things in common quite apart from the ministry component and looking after our husbands and family".
"Moreover, as I've had time to reflect on this, it has demonstrated that when the Lord places a husband and a wife together in Ministry, they each have that something special to contribute which has made it so effective within those parameters."
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
