"This man and his wife are offering to the Lord their remaining 20-25 years of normal working life," explained M V Tronson.
The great excitement Mark Tronson expressed, reminded him of a visiting missionary in 1975 to the congregation at the Port Kembla Baptist Church when he was a young man.
This missionary explained that he was looking for men and women in their mid to late 40's whose children were off their hands, who owned their own home and were financially secure, who could therefore give their remaining working life to the Lord's service.
"Those words have never left me, they inspired me; and now here was a man and a woman engaging in precisely this. I was beside myself with Christian joy," M V Tronson said.
In today's society where people are remaining active well into their 'elderly years', this change in career is becoming a trend. There are other examples. In 1998, Rich Sterns (a US corporate high flyer) changed course and became the CEO for World Vision United States at the behest of Bill Hybels. Lyn Arnold, the former South Australian premier, likewise involved with World Vision Australia.
M V Tronson explained that, aged 49 he fell ill with stress in 2000, and stepped aside after 17 years as the Australian Cricket 'Team' chaplain. He moved to a semi-retired position developing with retired cricketers a 'life after cricket' ministry and is now in a broader Australian cricket chaplaincy role.
As he recovered, he felt his best years of ministry were still to come, and certainly a whole new adventure in the Lord's work has opened to him. Mark Tronson considers this is another example of a modified or new career, similar to those already mentioned.
"I'm discovering now there is a plethora of professional people who are seeking a new direction in their lives, getting a second breath and taking up this cudgel. They will bring maturity, wisdom and life experience to their chosen ministries. This is a very exciting era," M V Tronson extolled.