He’s trying his best to move past the catastrophe.
Pastor Joel Osteen, a stalwart figure at Lakewood Church, extended a heartfelt invitation to the public to join him in special services aimed at healing from a tragedy that has shaken the congregation to its core. Just a week prior, the megachurch was rocked by a deadly shooting, an event Osteen expressed profound disbelief in having to grapple with.
The timing of Osteen’s call for healing coincides with revelations made by Walli Carranza, the former mother-in-law of Genesse Ivonne Moreno, the perpetrator of the tragic incident at Lakewood Church. Carranza revealed that well before the fateful confrontation at the church, her family had sought assistance from pastors due to concerns about Moreno’s mental health. Moreno, who claimed to be a member of the congregation, engaged in a shootout with off-duty officers, resulting in her death and critical injuries to her young grandson.
Questions surrounding Moreno’s affiliation with Lakewood Church have emerged, with evidence suggesting her intermittent presence and limited engagement with the congregation. Despite assertions from Carranza regarding attempts to seek help from the church, records indicate only sporadic attendance by Moreno, primarily between 2020 and 2022.
Lakewood Church, represented by spokesperson Don Iloff, clarified that any potential support for Moreno would have been confined to spiritual and biblical counseling, had she accepted it. The complexities of Moreno’s personal life, including a tumultuous custody battle and allegations of mental health issues, underscore the challenges faced by both her family and the church community.
In the wake of this tragedy, Houston Police Department’s Commander of Homicide Christopher Hassig provided a detailed account of the events leading to Moreno’s confrontation with law enforcement officers inside the church. Moreno’s actions, culminating in a gunfight with officers, tragically resulted in her demise and left her grandson fighting for his life.
As investigations into the incident continue, Pastor Osteen remains steadfast in his commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Lakewood Church members. In a video message, he urged congregants to join in special services focused on healing and restoration, emphasizing the resilience and faith that sustains them even in the face of adversity. Osteen’s message resonates with a call to unite in faith and solidarity, rejecting fear and embracing the belief in God’s steadfast protection and mercy.