Everyone likes to receive a surprise in the mail, and sending these personal messages is one way that she and her husband, Mark, maintain personal contact with those to whom they minister through Well-Being Australia.
There was no need to explain to these students the nature of instantaneous internet instant messaging with a video-cam, email and text messaging! Mark and Delma Tronson commented that they employed these methods regularly both in their ministry and with their family, as all their three daughters now live interstate and their son was in England for several years.
However, they pointed out that the nature of this type of communication is a very big change from what they experienced in their young days, and unimaginable to their own parents' generation.
However, there is something comforting and tangible in the fact that M V Tronson still has historic letters his parents and grandparents wrote, dating from the 1930s, in the family archive.
Delma Tronson noted that there is still, even now, no substitute for a snail mail 'hand written letter' or 'hand crafted card' when communicating to someone; and this has been proven in their Christian Ministry that caters to elite athletes.
Many times, Mark and Delma have had feedback that this little personal touch has warmed peoples' hearts, sometimes at a time when they most needed comforting. It has helped keep the lines of personal communication open, in a way that the 'global' nature of electronic messaging cannot do.
They understand this sentiment, because Delma Tronson, who makes many cards in different craft styles, herself appreciates receiving personalised cards and letters in the mail. She feels it is a way of showing we care for others when we exchange such items.
Those who receive her loving gifts are not only so blessed to find them in the mail, but delight in so very carefully opening the envelope so as not to damage the carefully crafted presentation.
Emails are very convenient and can be either overly casual or too formal; whereas a letter or a card inherently carries its own message and in Christian Ministry. This is a vital component of compassion, encouragement and evangelism within the Well-Being Australia ministry.
They conveyed to these YWAM students that sports ministry is about people, not the sport. This simple but poignant ministry philosophical tip on nature of sports ministry is a bit of a revelation to all those they speak.