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    lakewood recognized

    Joel Osteen and Lakewood Church honored by City of Houston for post-Harvey help

    ABC13 Staff
    Aug 15, 2018 | 9:21 am
    Ben-Hur premiere, Aug. 2016, Joel Osteen, Victoria Osteen
    Osteen (pictured with his wife, Victoria) initially took criticism for not opening Lakewood's doors.
    © Michelle Watson/Catchlight Group

    Pastor Joel Osteen, who initially took criticism for not opening the doors of his famed megachurch to those displaced in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, was recognized August 14 by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and city council members for his role in storm relief. Osteen, his family, and his Lakewood Church staff were honored at City Hall.

    According to the city, Lakewood helped thousands affected by Harvey's flooding get back on their feet, including assisting in rehabbing flood-damaged homes.

    Turner presented a proclamation to Osteen in recognition of the church's efforts in the aftermath of the storm. Any council member can request a proclamation, which in this case was initiated by Councilman Jack Christie.

    In the early stages of the storm's wake, many residents wondered why Lakewood Church was inaccessible to those seeking relief. On the first of several heavy rain days, the church cited severe flooding for the cause. But, people quickly took to social media questioning whether the building next to Southwest Freeway was really impacted by the storm.

    The day after, Osteen 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," the church said in a statement.

    The church also released photos showing the flooding around the church. The church eventually opened its doors, providing shelter, food and other essentials to anyone seeking it. During an interview with Good Morning America, Osteen defended his decision not to open earlier.

    "I think somebody created that narrative that somehow we were high and dry," he said. "None of that is true. This building was a safety issue and we took people in from the very beginning. When somebody's not in this situation, where, we have nobody in this facility. We were fearing that it would flood. The last thing we would do was put people in it right at the beginning," he added.

    In the same interview, Osteen committed to helping the area recover, saying the church is in it for the long haul. Any citizen can request a city of Houston proclamation for a group or a significant personal achievement through the the city's website.

    ---

    For more on this story, including video, visit our content partner ABC13.

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    Hot Headlines

    New owner of Texas Renaissance Festival revealed in our top 5 stories

    CultureMap Staff
    May 17, 2025 | 11:01 am
    Amid scandals covered by multiple documentaries, the nation's largest Renaissance festival opens for its golden season.
    Photo courtesy of the Texas Renaissance Festival
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    Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week. Details emerge on the new owner of the Texas Renaissance Festival, plus high profile restaurant openings are on the horizon. Catch up on our five most popular stories below, then visit this guide to plan your weekend.

    1. Winner of Ren Fest lawsuit plans to keep the event mostly unchanged. Following a recent court ruling, the Texas Renaissance Festival will soon be under new ownership, but much will remain the same as it has for the last half century. CultureMap has the details.

    2. Houston's most pretty-in-pink restaurant quietly closes in Upper Kirby. PostScript, the posh pink restaurant that opened to considerable fanfare in early 2024, has closed for good.

    3. Massive, German-inspired beer garden coming to new Energy Corridor project. One of Houston’s most successful bar operators is bringing his talents to the Energy Corridor with a new beer garden slated for early 2026.

    Katy Beer Garden outdoor patioThe new beer garden will be similar to Katy Beer Garden. Photo by Eric Sandler

    4. Houstonians will get the royal treatment at this lively new steakhouse. Mark your calendar for Houston’s newest steakhouse, opening May 21.

    5. Luxury bus service Vonlane adds new departure from The Woodlands. The Texas-based luxury motor coach will roll out daily service between Dallas and The Woodlands in June.

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