Opened in June 2011 after several months of refurbishing the cottage, missionaries from a wide rang of mission organisations and churches have 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 shad to take leave his pastorate in London to escape to "a resting place in France". (au.christiantoday.com)
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 31 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. It took a further 12 years before it came to fruition.
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 fly into Proserpine, the respite facility's dual cab vehicle is there for them for their use.
Local respite coordinators Sean and Sue Spencer connect with the missionary visitors over a cuppa and meet 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 a 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.
The Greening
Over the past two years, slowly but surely, they have initiated a greening of the facility. This included planting five 25 foot Fox Tail Palms along the front with display plants between them. On one side of the cottage they planted another five 15 foot Fox Tail and closer to the front is a mulberry, a mango and five banana trees.
The back is enclosed by a 10 foot cyclone fence and a large cyclone gate and set on one side is a shade house. Around the fence line are a variety of plants from Bougainvilleas to Passionfruits, a nut tree, three Poincianas, two Palms, two Mulberry's and a mango.
The long term aim is to see the Passionfuits grow over the shade house and cover both sides the cyclone fence along with the bougainvilleas along the back fence. It will take many years for the Poincianas to grow but when they do, they provide a beautiful red flower. Along the back of the yard there is a vermin break (a fire break road) as it ajoins the Laguna Quays Resort property.
They realise it will take a long time for all this happen but these past two years they have seen the foundational developments of this garden. This leaves the front and back yard entirely lawn A concrete drive way was put in eighteen months ago which has made a huge difference in wet weather.
Recent bookings
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 with bookings through to the end of August.
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