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  • 2017-08-28 (xsd:date)
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  • Was Joel Osteen's Houston 'Megachurch' Affected By Hurricane Harvey? (en)
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  • In August 2017, just after Hurricane Harvey made landfall and inundated Houston with record rainfall and flooding, celebrity pastor Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church, which is based in the region, drew criticism for not making itself available to people affected by the storm. On 27 August, the church posted: A day later, a post on Lakewood's blog read, in part: The church reportedly seats more than 16,000 people. Osteen, whose own Houston home is worth a reported $10.5 million, has not made any comments regarding possible flooding near the church. A map of the area surrounding the church shows it is under a flood advisory, but not a warning. (Houston police told us that they have no pending calls from the area.) Several Twitter users have posted pictures questioning the church's statement, including an image posted by writer Charles Clymer that was apparently taken from near the church showing no flooding near the building. Popular vlogger Keaton Milburn responded: The caption on the photos, though, suggest that they were taken near the church, not inside the facility itself. Another Twitter user posted pictures of her own showing no apparent street flooding near the church: Clymer also posted pictures from a third user which purportedly showed no flooding near either the church's near entrance or loading docks: Another local man, Jorge Colmenares, posted a video on Facebook showing a lack of flooding in a garage he identified as belonging to the church. The footage has received more than 70,000 views. He told us: However, he added, Lakewood and it's surrounding area was legit flooded out on 26 August 2017, shortly before the calls began for Osteen to make the church available. Colmenares said he had seen pictures online reflecting effects on the church: We contacted the church seeking additional details about why it was inaccessible — for example, if there was possibly flooding nearby or damage to the building — but we have yet to receive a response. However, Osteen did put up the following tweet: The tweet linked to the following statement: Osteen and the church later released a second statement: Clymer also posted a picture of what he described as countless air mattresses bought by the church, saying that it was prepping to open its doors. On 29 August 2017, the church confirmed on Twitter that it was open to evacuees and taking in supplies. Lakewood is receiving people who need shelter. We are also coordinating with the city as a collection site for distribution. Lakewood is also collecting diapers, baby formula, baby food and other supplies. Please bring these items to Lakewood at Circle Drive. (en)
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