Joel Osteen's Church Finally Opens Its Doors to Hurricane Victims After Criticisms

Megachurch pastor and best selling author Joel Osteen is finally opening up his 16,800-seat Houston church to the victims of Hurricane Harvey after an onslaught of social media criticism for initially staying shut. When the hurricane first hit the Houston area as many as 300,000 people were without power in southeastern parts of the state. But Osteen's church Lakewood Church posted on Facebook saying the facility was "inaccessible" due to "severe flooding."
However, after several people posted videos on Twitter appearing to show the location relatively unscathed and unaffected by flooding, a swarm of Twitter users began questioning why Osteen's megachurch.
On Tuesday after the onslaught of criticisms, Osteen tweeted that his church now open and is providing shelter for hurricane victims. "Victoria and I care deeply about our fellow Houstonians. Lakewood's doors are open and we are receiving anyone who needs shelter," he wrote.
By the afternoon, hundreds of volunteers had arrived to collect bags packed with donations from locals. Cars lined the building's perimeter as people waited to hand in their donations.
"For the people spreading lies about my church. If WE could get there WE WOULD OPEN THE DOORS," Lakewood associate pastor John Gray posted on Facebook. "As soon as the highways aren't flooded please know @lakewoodchurch will do all they can alleviate the pain and suffering of as many people as possible. Love y'all! #CantStandLiars."
The church's spokesperson Don Iloff told the Houston Chronicle that church staff was instructed to help anyone who came to the church doors. It was unclear whether the church experienced flooding.
"It's not our unwillingness, it's just practicality. It's been a safety issue for us," Iloff said. "Lakewood Church has a heart for this city."
Tags : Joel Osteen lakewood church hurricane harvey joel osteen news
Hot Trends
-
12th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards: The Winners & How You Can Watch It
-
New Documentary “J. D. Greear Unmasked” Exposes Power Struggles Within the Southern Baptist Convention
-
Here Are the Winners of the 2024 K-LOVE Fan Awards
-
Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes Are Married
-
Watch the Trailer for "The Last Rodeo," A Powerful Father-Daughter Reconciliation Film
-
Here Are Lyrics to Chris Tomlin's "The First Hymn (feat. Ben Fielding)"
-
Christine Caine & Zoe Churches Minister to the Refugees from Ukraine
-
Franni Rae Cash Cain Leaves We The Kingdom
-
"Zach Williams Revival Nights" Fall 2025 Tour Features We The Kingdom, Ben Fuller, and Leanna Crawford
-
Phil Wickham Releases New Song "Homesick For Heaven"
-
Mark Bishop Releases "Now Lazarus Can Sing" Music Video
-
Jonathan Chu Leaves Skillet
-
Cory Asbury Delves into the Issue of Self-Worth with "Good For Nothing"
-
Nicole C. Mullen Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of "Freedom" with New Remix
-
Steve French, formerly of Kingdom Heirs, Could Have Died in a Double Suicide
Most Popular
-
12th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards: The Winners & How You Can Watch It
-
New Documentary “J. D. Greear Unmasked” Exposes Power Struggles Within the Southern Baptist Convention
-
Here Are the Winners of the 2024 K-LOVE Fan Awards
-
Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes Are Married
-
Watch the Trailer for "The Last Rodeo," A Powerful Father-Daughter Reconciliation Film
-
Here Are Lyrics to Chris Tomlin's "The First Hymn (feat. Ben Fielding)"
-
Christine Caine & Zoe Churches Minister to the Refugees from Ukraine
-
Franni Rae Cash Cain Leaves We The Kingdom
-
"Zach Williams Revival Nights" Fall 2025 Tour Features We The Kingdom, Ben Fuller, and Leanna Crawford
-
Phil Wickham Releases New Song "Homesick For Heaven"
-
Mark Bishop Releases "Now Lazarus Can Sing" Music Video
-
Jonathan Chu Leaves Skillet
-
Cory Asbury Delves into the Issue of Self-Worth with "Good For Nothing"
-
Nicole C. Mullen Celebrates the 25th Anniversary of "Freedom" with New Remix
-
Steve French, formerly of Kingdom Heirs, Could Have Died in a Double Suicide