After a barrage of harsh criticism and public backlash, Joel Osteen finally opened the doors of Lakewood Church to victims of Hurricane Harvey.
Prior to today, the church claimed the building was “inaccessible due to severe flooding.” This led to national outrage toward The Houston-based megachurch, as many claimed the religious organization was intentionally not allowing displaced Texans to stay there while the area recovers from damages.
View below as flood victims enter the church and volunteers help with donations:
#NOW Hundreds of flood victims and volunteers make their way into @lakewoodch that is now open as a shelter @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/RqHo190O1J
— Anoushah Rasta (@AnoushahKPRC) August 29, 2017
In wake of #Harvey, an army of volunteers arrived at Lakewood Church, taking donations from a long line of cars pic.twitter.com/5757SEe43M
— Omar Villafranca (@OmarVillafranca) August 29, 2017
After Lakewood Church opened its doors this morning, long line of cars to get in. #Harvey pic.twitter.com/j8fzMtXzGK
— Albert Samaha (@AlbertSamaha) August 29, 2017
Mountains of donated clothes, blankets, shoes, pillows, bedding at Lakewood. #harvey pic.twitter.com/8WRSbW6xuG
— Albert Samaha (@AlbertSamaha) August 29, 2017
and so so many volunteers. Hundreds, it looks like pic.twitter.com/gcSlfg2h5x
— Albert Samaha (@AlbertSamaha) August 29, 2017
Osteen made the decision change on Twitter this afternoon, saying “Victoria and I care deeply about our fellow Houstonians. Lakewood’s doors are open and we are receiving anyone who needs shelter.” Lakewood Church also announced that the congregation is preparing essential supplies and accepting donations for victims
The megachurch is the former home arena of the Houston Rockets and it boasts a capacity of close to 17,000 people at one time, while the church leads at least six services per week.
[imaga via screengrab / ABC News]
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