Scamvangelist Joel Osteen Closes Megachurch Amid Houston Flooding Crisis

The disaster that has overtaken the City of Houston, Texas and the surrounding region is quickly becoming a testimony of which churches put the Gospel message into practice and which ones merely give the Gospel message lip service only and see preaching as a road to self-enrichment.  My former neighborhood in southwest Houston through its Facebook page has been providing updates on disaster relief as information is gathered.  Among the reports are information that Westbury Baptist church  located at 10425 Hillcroft, will be serving as a drop-off and distribution place for food, water, toiletries, blankets and clothes.   In addition, Westbury Methodist located at 5200 Willowbend opened its doors yesterday as a shelter.  Additional information will be posted as information is gathered.  Meanwhile, one very high profile church is doing seemingly nothing to aid in the disaster releif effort.  Which church, scamvangelist Joel Osteen's 16,800-seat Lakewood Church near downtown Houston.  Osteens' church as of this time remains closed.  The New York Post looks at the situation.  Here are details:

Televangelist Joel Osteen cancelled services at his Houston megachurch Sunday and has yet to reopen its doors — despite the fact that thousands of flooded-out residents are desperately seeking shelter.

The perpetually smiling pastor told followers on Twitter on Monday to lean on their faith.  “Jesus promises us peace that passes understanding,” he wrote. “That’s peace when it doesn’t make sense.”

But Osteen’s comforting words didn’t sit well with critics, who want to know why the doors to his 16,800-seat arena at his Lakewood Church near downtown Houston are closed.

“You have taken so much money away from your people to live like a king,” entertainment publicist Danny Deraney blasted. “It’s the least you could do.”

Washington DC-based writer Charles Clymer tweeted pictures of Lakewood Church, which did not appear to be damaged by floods.

“It doesn’t make sense why you’re not opening up your mega church to house Houston citizens, help me understand that. Jesus,” according to Florida-based writer Emily Timbol.

While the church and its arena have not suffered any flood damage yet, ministry spokesman Donald Iloff said their property is inaccessible because of surrounding waters.

Osteen it should be noted, lives with his family in a $10.5 million home that is treated as church property and is tax-exempt.   As of 2012, Osteen's net worth is reportedly $56,508,500.00.  Oh, and lest I forget, Osteen is not accepting of LGBT individuals who he says need to "repent of their sins." Perhaps Osteen needs to do some repenting and stop fleecing the gullible and easily misled.