Lakewood Church pastors recognized for work during Hurricane Harvey

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - Pastor Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church and his wife, co-pastor Victoria, were presented with a surprise proclamation from the City of Houston for their efforts during Hurricane Harvey on Tuesday afternoon. Houston City Council member Jack Christie first requested the proclamation for the Osteen family, which was initially criticized for the church's initial response to aid Hurricane Harvey victims, but Lakewood Church ultimately "served as a major distribution center supplying more than 1,050 pallets of essential supplies" during the natural disaster.

The Osteen family was caught by surprise with the proclamation and thought they were headed to Houston City Hall to lead a prayer on Thursday afternoon. Mayor Turner issued the following letter of Proclamation for Pastor Osteen and his family:

Lakewood Church

On the weekend of August 26, 2017, the greater Houston area experienced a life-altering natural disaster. Houstonians dealt with devastating losses due to the effects of Hurricane Harvey. Through compassionate organizations willing to serve during this difficult time, Houston has remained resilient in its recovery efforts.

In the days, weeks, and months following Hurricane Harvey, Lakewood Church served as a major distribution center supplying more than 1,050 pallets of essential supplies including nonperishable food, water, clothing, infant and children’s products, and medical supplies to affected citizens and disaster relief organizations throughout the greater Houston area.

Lakewood Church has and continues to provide significant home rebuilding assistance to more than 1,150 Houston-area families whose homes were damaged or destroyed by floodwaters through the purchase of more than 1.1 million dollars in building materials, furniture, appliances, and paid labor, as well as through the contribution of more than 2,500 volunteers and thousands of hours of volunteer labor.

Due to the reputation, leadership and influence of Lakewood Church and the Osteen family, numerous organizations and individuals from around the nation responded and mobilized their resources to provide invaluable assistance to countless Houston families, as well as dozens of churches and businesses and thousands of fellow Americans.

On August 14, 2018, Lakewood Church will be honored for its selfless contributions and active involvement during Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts. The City of Houston commends and appreciates Lakewood Church and Joel and Victoria Osteen for their compassion during a historic disaster, as their selflessness is greatly appreciated by the many people who benefited from their unwavering generosity.

Therefore, I, Sylvester Turner, Mayor of the City of Houston, hereby proclaim August 14, 2018, as

Lakewood Church Day

in Houston, Texas.