Our Country Town Tour program takes in many guises, some with sport coaches, some with athletes, some with corporate executives and the like. On Country Town Tours we visit schools, youth groups, dinners, men's breakfasts and the like.
In March I suggested we might even do a Country Town Tour with the DS Citroen, the car of the century! In my mind the DS was a design that produced economy with its aerodynamics, an engine without fan fare, and something so different that it created an atmosphere of much fascination.
To me, I noted that is not that dissimilar to the Gospel message:
a) simplicity of design - Jesus died on the cross for my sin;
b) aerodynamic design - the economy of God directs my path;
c) a straight forward engine – a plain speaking bible shows the way
d) fascinating concept - the challenge of the Gospel is breathtaking.
I even asked of anyone who has a DS Citroen to donate or loan, in order to take on our Country Town Tours as the car of the century, and use as an illustration of Gospel truths, I would love to hear from you! It would certainly create attention! I am still waiting! timeout@bushorchestra.com or 0419 917 713
Meanwhile it may be of interest that the DS Citroean this year is celebrating its 60th year from when the first DS rolled off the manufacturers line.
Three years since our last Tasmanian CTT
We were considering a New Zealand visit to our young writers in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch as we did in 2013-14 and then Tasmania in October, however when our young writer editor Sophia Sinclair was planning a visit to New Zealand it seemed obvious to pass the Kiwi visit to Sophia.
Andrew and Sophia Sinclair are from Christchurch and now at the Sydney Missionary Bible College where Andrew is undertaking a theology degree. Sophia took on the editor's role having been the CMS NZ editor for some years. When they put up their hand for the New Zealand visit, it seemed most provident.
This allowed us to bring back our Tasmanian Country Town Tour to early September, Tuesday 8 to Sunday 13 taking in both Launceston and Hobart where various designation appointments have been set for my wife Delma and me.
A mainstay
For 38 years I have been part of this Country Town Tour ministry. The phrase Country Town Tour came from Vic Matthews one of our Well-Being Australia board members and it encapsulates the essence of this ministry.
Over the years we have taken athletes, coaches, corporate identities, artists and other such luminaries on these Country Town Tours. Where ever and whenever we have taken on these one week tours, the team has been warmly welcome.
One very highly successful Country Town Tour was to Goondiwindi a few years ago when jockey Darren Beadman and Rugby League star Ian Barkely visited for the weekend. Some years later I caught up the President of the local AJA on an aircraft (we sat together) and recounted the remarkable outcome and difference it made to the town.
It has been my joy to have numerous athletes from Rodeo champions, International IronMan champions, to track athletes, football celebrities and a whole host more. These athletes have taken to the stage as it were, and wooed their audiences including schools and sport dinners with their stories and the challenge of the Gospel.
The late Tony Dunkerley was a regular on these Country Town Tours, the Victorian Under 21 coach, assistant Joeys coach, President Victorian Football and the Football Youth Commissioner and a CEO of a multi-national.
He gave coaching clinics to the junior soccer associations and spoke at many different kinds of functions such as men's breakfasts and dinners, sports rallies, church youth groups, schools and gave seminars on mentoring for which he excelled.
Yes, ask for a Country Town Tour timeout@bushorchestra.com or 0419 917 713
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 mentors young writers and 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 http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html