Opened in June 2011 after several months of refurbishing the cottage, missionaries from SIM, CMS, WEC, SU, TEAR, BCS, UCA, YM, CM and independent missions have already enjoyed taking 'timeout'.
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 suffered from prolonged attacks of depression, sometimes so great that he had to leave his pastorate in London to escape to "a resting place in France". (Christian Today Article: Ministerial Meltdown)
The 'Basil Sellers' Laguna Quays Respite project was initiated as a project by Well-Being Australia chairman 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, a service to the Lord for all the various mission societies whether they be denominational, long established missions or independent missionaries.
Purpose driven
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 and by June 2011 the facility was ready for missionary and pastor visitors.
With his wide ministry network being 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.
Set up for missionaries
Knowing intimately about missionary finance, he 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 volunteer 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, when there, wheels the small portable desk onto the wide front covered veranda where he connects to the Internet with his 3G plug and enjoys the sweeping view of Repulse Bay's magnetic blue.
Recent bookings
Recently, missionaries in Slovenia have booked during their furlough later this year. A primary school Scripture teacher with 500 students a week is visiting the first part of June followed by a bible college principal through to 7 July. In May, CMS mission people from southern Africa enjoyed their respite as did a pastor in mid May, and the last week of May, Gospel Recording mission people.
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