Corpus Christi church's ministry converts apartments into paradise By John Hall Texas Baptist Communications CORPUS CHRISTI—Travis Baptist Church and Paradise Bay Apartments are collaborating to help the housing complex live up to its name. The church, located across the street from the apartments, started ministering in Paradise Bay at the request of Tim Klein, chief operations officer of Legacy Development Management Corporation. Klein hoped the church could help transform a community plagued by drugs and crime. Klein, a born-again Christian, has initiated similar efforts between residential and commercial properties he manages and volunteer groups. He's worked with retirement associations, Boy Scouts and churches. Such a relationship benefits both parties, he explained. Church organizations gain visibility and better serve the neighborhood, and they attract a more attractive clientele for the apartments or shopping centers. Previous church efforts have been particularly effective at other complexes, Klein noted, pointing out Christians do not break into cars, abuse drugs or damage property, saving Klein's company money. In general, a Christian presence brings in a more moral tenant, he said. "When people like that are on the property, the residents on the property tend to act differently." The outreach may help the company, but Klein unashamedly confirms he has spiritual reasons for encouraging a church to come on the premises. "I'm not going to die and go out of this world without changing something if the Lord allows it," he said. In addition to inviting the church onto the apartment grounds, Klein has allowed the church to hold many of its activities in a recently remodeled meeting room. Travis Baptist started ministering at the complex with a cooking class for office staff. The class helped volunteers build a relationship with staff members and reassure them the church's presence would be helpful, said Pastor Michael Hale. "We went into it with no expectations," he said. "We went in for the sake of outreach and let the Lord do his work." The ministry has expanded to include door-to-door ministry and Bible studies. Although residents initially expressed little interest in the studies, more of them have come to the lessons as they have grown more comfortable with the volunteers. Four adults and eight children now attend the events regularly. "People's lives are so complicated these days," Hale said. "You have to wait for people to be hungry for God. You have to wait for them to realize their hunger." Residents have not only been attending the Bible studies, but crossing the street to the church as well. "They keep coming," Hale said. "They keep hearing the word. One day, they are going to come to know Jesus." Klein already has recognized the business benefits of the ministry. In addition to improving tenant morale, church members' positive comments about the complex have improved the image and desirability of the housing. "Multiple residents have closer relationships with management," he said. "They (church volunteers) have given people a better outlook on life." Hale believes God will work through the ministry to accomplish divine goals. "You reach one," he said. "Only God knows how that one will impact the world." ?>