They are providing massive relief.
Following Hurricane Beryl’s impact on coastal Texas, Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston has been actively supporting the community amidst widespread power outages affecting over 1.6 million homes and businesses. The church opened its doors as a cooling center and distributed essential supplies like food and water to hundreds, including disabled veterans and their families. They continue to operate these services daily to assist those in need.
Lakewood Church made their commitment clear early on, stating they were collaborating with emergency management officials to aid storm-affected individuals. This proactive stance aimed to ensure safety and support for Gulf Coast residents during and after the storm.
Reflecting on past challenges during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Lakewood Church faced criticism for not immediately serving as a shelter. They explained that flooding had rendered their facilities unsafe initially, but once conditions improved, they provided refuge for hundreds of evacuees when the city’s primary shelter reached capacity.
In addition to Lakewood Church’s efforts, churches in nearby Katy, such as PowerHouse Church, mobilized quickly to offer aid. Collaborating with local aid groups, they distributed food and supplies to those impacted by the hurricane. The community response in Katy exemplified solidarity and compassion, with scores of individuals showing up to support and receive assistance.
Overall, amidst the challenges posed by Hurricane Beryl, communities and churches in Texas have demonstrated resilience and unity in providing crucial support to those affected, illustrating the power of collective action in times of crisis.