Lakewood Church in Houston is set to host its first Sunday services following the fatal shooting incident that took place on February 11, which resulted in congregants now seeking a moment of healing and unity. The church, known for its sizable following and the prominence of Pastor Joel Osteen, will hold special services this Sunday at 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and a Spanish service at 2 p.m., as mentioned by a Lakewood spokesperson and reported by the Houston Chronicle.
In the aftermath of the violence where a woman armed with an AR-15 style rifle opened fire inside the church premises, two off-duty officers responded, resulting in the shooter's death, her son's critical injury and a 57-year-old man being shot in the hip, according to a KPRC 2 report. In light of the shooting, security is expected to be significantly heightened at the church with personnel that typically includes off-duty law enforcement, as the church aims to reassure its members and ensure their safety.
Joel Osteen, in his video announcement, implored the congregation to come together to "draw strength from each other" in a time characterized by a collective search for healing and solace, stating, “This Sunday we’re going to have special services, time of healing and restoration, time of praise and thanksgiving, just thanking God for his angels watching after us and for his faithfulness, for where would we be without the goodness and the mercy of God?” which was conveyed by the Houston Chronicle. The services will also include a segment to honor the courage of those “that put their life on the line to keep us safe,” Osteen added.
Genesse Moreno, 36, of Conroe, identified as the shooter, was known to have schizophrenia and had previously shown aggression towards her ex-husband, family members revealed following an investigation into her background, a narrative that was pieced together from the details shared by KPRC 2. Materials found at Moreno's residence included anti-Semitic writings and a marked AR15 rifle; these findings suggest a troubled mind caught in a maelstrom of undiagnosed torment and ideological fixation, which unfortunately ended up being vented in the form of violence within the sacred walls of Lakewood Church.
Lakewood Church continues to encourage its faithful and the broader community to participate in Sunday's gatherings, seeking to mend the fabric of their congregation riven by this unforeseen act of violence, and to reinforce the foundations of their faith that were shaken to the core on that fateful day. KPRC 2 will attend and report on the 11 a.m. service and is expected to conduct an interview with Joel Osteen thereafter.
