**Joel Osteen Faces Backlash as Hurricane Beryl Hits Houston**
Houston, TX – Joel Osteen, the prominent televangelist and pastor of Lakewood Church, is under intense scrutiny as Hurricane Beryl makes landfall in Houston. The storm has revived memories of the controversy surrounding Hurricane Harvey seven years ago, amplifying criticisms directed at Osteen.
In August 2017, during Hurricane Harvey, Osteen’s Lakewood Church faced backlash for initially refusing to open its doors to displaced residents, despite its large capacity. Critics accused Osteen of prioritizing his church’s safety over the needs of flood victims. The church later opened its doors, but the incident left a lasting impression on many Houstonians.
Now, with Hurricane Beryl striking Houston, Osteen and Lakewood Church are once again at the center of public criticism. Social media and news outlets have resurrected the Harvey scandal, with many accusing the pastor of being insensitive or unprepared. Osteen’s recent attempts to address the current storm have been met with skepticism, as many question his commitment to community support in light of past controversies.
Osteen has defended his actions, stating that Lakewood Church is prepared to assist those affected by Hurricane Beryl and has taken steps to ensure that it provides aid to the community. However, the criticism persists as residents and observers recall the 2017 incident.
The ongoing storm has compounded the pressure on Osteen, as residents hope for a more proactive response from the pastor and his church. As Hurricane Beryl continues to impact Houston, the public remains watchful, hoping that lessons from the past will lead to a more compassionate and responsive approach from one of the city’s most prominent figures.
