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
-
Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and CeCe Winans Announce Christmas Together Tour
-
Lauren Daigle Announces Return to the Road in May
-
Amy Grant Tweets 'Fighting Breast Cancer Today And Every Day By Drinking Pink With Athena Water'
-
Tasha Layton on Her Suicide Attempt, Singing with Katy Perry & Working on Her Own Music
-
Pope Francis Dies at 88
-
Phil Wickham Releases 6 Versions of "What An Awesome God"
-
Backstreet Boy Brian Littrell's Son Worships Jesus with Original Song on "American Idol"
-
Catch Shane and Shane As They Launch their New Album Online Today!
-
The Tragic End of Kingdom Heir's Founder Steve French
-
Darlene Zschech Responds to the Criticisms Directed Against Her For Singing at the Vatican
-
Newsboys' Michael Tait Releases New Christmas Music as He Prepares for Opry Debut
-
Leanna Crawford's "Make It Through" Was Almost Never Released
-
The Message Never Gets Old: Kingdom Heirs Reflect on Their Journey on their 30th Anniversary
-
Story Behind Chris Tomlin's New Song "Is He Worthy?"
-
CXMMXNS (Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan) Releases Debut EP Today
Most Popular
-
Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and CeCe Winans Announce Christmas Together Tour
-
Lauren Daigle Announces Return to the Road in May
-
Amy Grant Tweets 'Fighting Breast Cancer Today And Every Day By Drinking Pink With Athena Water'
-
Tasha Layton on Her Suicide Attempt, Singing with Katy Perry & Working on Her Own Music
-
Pope Francis Dies at 88
-
Phil Wickham Releases 6 Versions of "What An Awesome God"
-
Backstreet Boy Brian Littrell's Son Worships Jesus with Original Song on "American Idol"
-
Catch Shane and Shane As They Launch their New Album Online Today!
-
The Tragic End of Kingdom Heir's Founder Steve French
-
Darlene Zschech Responds to the Criticisms Directed Against Her For Singing at the Vatican
-
Newsboys' Michael Tait Releases New Christmas Music as He Prepares for Opry Debut
-
Leanna Crawford's "Make It Through" Was Almost Never Released
-
The Message Never Gets Old: Kingdom Heirs Reflect on Their Journey on their 30th Anniversary
-
Story Behind Chris Tomlin's New Song "Is He Worthy?"
-
CXMMXNS (Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan) Releases Debut EP Today