The first step needed to be more than words, rather it required a hands on example of the vision and to this end Corinne Pennay put in a huge effort along with a small number of volunteer helpers, in developing a hard copy Christian newspaper.
Inform'd Christian Newspaper burst into life in 2010 centred in that huge southern Gold Coast region, in that the Gold Coast Airport at Coolangatta considers it now to be in the centre of their in-take region from Coomera in the north to Byron Bay in the south.
Corinne Pennay says that Inform'd is delivered to the churches with the express purpose to inform and connect people in the body of Christ and 'to reach the lost'. It contains a host of data from information of events, ministries, topics of interest, testimonies, Christian businesses and their web site retains previous issues.
www.informedchristiannewspaper.com
Inform'd is not cheap to produce yet every cent to run its expenses including the printing and distribution has been met and continues to be met.
With this in mind and with the wider vision that Corinne Pennay sported and shared with others, Corinne was provided a remarkable set of shops at 42 Currumbin Creek Road in West Currumbin in amongst a host of small industries.
Once again Corinne gathered together a growing number of volunteers who were skilled in the artisans, craftsmanship, plastering, internal reconstructions, plumbing and a host of outfitting giftings such as a kitchen and the like.
Became a reality
This significant complex soon had Corinne's designer skills functioning and the drea, very quickly became a reality, with the following sections:
Reception
Op Shop
Furniture
Tiny Tots Play Group
Kindy Room and Play Area
Prayer and Healing Room
Kitchen
Coffee Shop
Arts Den
Women's Room
Men's Shed
Craft Room
Outdoor eatery
Garden table settings
Office space
A host of items are being donated week in and week out to sell in the Op Shop, many volunteers are giving their time and effort, professional and semi-professional people give their skills and and the Lord has opened numerous other doors.
Corinne Pennay is very strong on the idea that the facility is for the Christian community and no one single congregation has any inside run for the facilities. Already numerous visitors from a wide range of churches have come to the 'Scarlet Thread'.
Well-Being Australia chairman Mark Tronson recently visited the Scarlet Thread and caught up with Corinne who said that the centre's growing support amongst the Christian community is front and centre which is a joy in the Lord.
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