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Thread: Lakewood Church Criticized for not Welcoming Houston Flood Victims

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    Senior Member Valiant Woman's Avatar
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    Post Lakewood Church Criticized for not Welcoming Houston Flood Victims

    HOUSTON -- Joel Osteen, pastor of Houston's Lakewood Church, faced criticism in the wake of Hurricane Harvey for not opening the doors of his famed megachurch to those displaced by flooding.

    On Sunday, a message posted to the Lakewood Church Facebook page said that church was "inaccessible due to severe flooding." The post included information on rescue and shelter resources available in other parts of the city.

    But critics quickly took to social media questioning whether the building had been significantly impacted by the storm and calling on the church to do more for those affected by the flooding.

    In a statement Monday to ABC News, Osteen said his organization was prepared to help those in need.

    "We have never closed our doors. We will continue to be a distribution center for those in need. We are prepared to house people once shelters reach capacity. Lakewood will be a value to the community in the aftermath of this storm in helping our fellow citizens rebuild their lives."

    Lakewood Church also provided ABC News photos it says shows the flooding around the church.

    http://abc13.com/religion/joel-ostee...ctims/2353404/

    Lakewood Church Criticized for not Welcoming Houston Flood Victims-img_0235-jpgLakewood Church Criticized for not Welcoming Houston Flood Victims-img_0236-jpg

    Even though there were photographs to show the Church and surrounding area was flooded, people still criticized Pastor Joel. The war against Christians in this country is heating up and we need to stick together.
    When your praise match your prayers, the answer will come.
    https://www.facebook.com/Valiant-Wom...1103844642026/

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    Senior Member Valiant Woman's Avatar
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    These are the air mattresses they bought prior to the flood. Yet, folks still complained.

    Lakewood Church Criticized for not Welcoming Houston Flood Victims-img_0237-jpg
    When your praise match your prayers, the answer will come.
    https://www.facebook.com/Valiant-Wom...1103844642026/

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    Senior Member Cardinal TT's Avatar
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    Our negative media has also decided to attack Joel without knowing all the facts
    They are not interested in the truth but just want to slander.

    http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/rea...02c147e3588050

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    Senior Member Nikos's Avatar
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    Yep

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    Here is the Complete Story Behind the Attacks on Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church

    http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2017/...pid=EU_CBNNEWS

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    Senior Member Valiant Woman's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by krystian View Post
    Here is the Complete Story Behind the Attacks on Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church

    http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2017/...pid=EU_CBNNEWS
    Thanks Krystian.
    When your praise match your prayers, the answer will come.
    https://www.facebook.com/Valiant-Wom...1103844642026/

  11. #7
    I just saw this meme: Lakewood Church Criticized for not Welcoming Houston Flood Victims-olsteen-jpg

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    Senior Member Valiant Woman's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by FaithfulOne View Post
    I just saw this meme: Lakewood Church Criticized for not Welcoming Houston Flood Victims-olsteen-jpg


    Good one Lorrie!
    When your praise match your prayers, the answer will come.
    https://www.facebook.com/Valiant-Wom...1103844642026/

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    Senior Member Valiant Woman's Avatar
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    A good article for us to consider when the world (and other believers) attack one of our own.

    Some Christians Hate Joel Osteen More Than They Love The Truth. And That's Wrong.

    So, I never thought I'd write a post defending Joel Osteen....But, seriously, the floodgates of media unleashed against Joel Osteen, based on an unclear church statement and fanned by agenda-driven social media, tells me that we have a cultural problem. The fact that many Christians have joined in shows me it is a Christian problem. It's wrong in both cases, but disturbing to see some Christians joining in.

    It seems some Christians hate Joel Osteen more than they love the truth. I'd expect that from the world, but I hoped for better in the church.
    Osteen

    So we are clear, Osteen and I are not on the same page theologically. And I have serious problems with the prosperity gospel. Furthermore, his platitudes and lifestyle have not helped in this moment.
    But do we have to join the deluge of hatred toward him for what is a questionable situation—at best?

    In other words, I get some people are upset about Osteen's theology and approach to his work. But why are so many Christians joining in on spreading a false narrative about his actions in Houston?

    Some Facts

    Apparently, Osteen had canceled church on Sunday and the church indicated (perhaps inarticulately) that the church was impassable. (They did not say it was flooded, though who needs to worry about facts when we hate someone, right?) The church directed their people, and presumably others, to take shelter with friends, family, or at the George Brown Convention Center.

    As the waters rose in Houston, social media spread the word that Lakewood Church, housed in a 16,800 seat arena, was turning people away who were seeking shelter.
    Nope. They said that is not what happened.

    Christians Joining in Spreading a False Narrative

    Fast forward twelve hours and the facts began to surface that the church itself was flooded in a few sections. And Lakewood responded that only three people came for shelter, and they had all been helped.

    So, well, maybe we might see that facts are our friends.
    And just because you hate (or just have theological concerns with him) Osteen does not entitle you to your own set of facts.

    I'm not saying they did not bungle their first statement. I am saying that a lot of Christians spread false statements. Let's let the world spread lies as we stand for truth.

    http://www.christianitytoday.com/eds...ruth-hous.html
    When your praise match your prayers, the answer will come.
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    Senior Member Nikos's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by FaithfulOne View Post
    I just saw this meme: Lakewood Church Criticized for not Welcoming Houston Flood Victims-olsteen-jpg
    That is a good one!

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