Share this @internewscast.com

Joel Osteen preached about living without fear in the first Sunday service at his Lakewood Church since a shooting last week that left a child in critical condition and a man injured.

The alleged shooter, identified as 36-year-old Genesse Ivonne Moreno, walked into the church accompanied by her 7-year-old son on Feb. 11 and started shooting, according to officials. Her son was struck in the head during the incident and was in critical condition. A 57-year-old man was injured and has since been released from the hospital.

Osteen took to the stage during the church’s 8:30 a.m. service to greet an auditorium full of people. He started off with a prayer.

“Lord, we think of your faithfulness, especially this week, Lord, what you brought us through,” Osteen said. “We don’t take it for granted. Your angels were watching over each one of us.”

Osteen prayed for a 7-year-old boy whom he identified as “Samuel” and asked God to “show him your mercy.”

Osteen also prayed for the alleged shooter and her family, as he broke out in tears.

“I just ask you, Lord, to heal the hurts in that family,” he said.

Osteen said he “never dreamed something like this would happen.” He was finishing up a meeting and was walking to his office when he saw people who mentioned there had been “some kind of incident” at the church, he said.

After getting back into his office, he got a text from Houston Police Chief Troy Finner asking if he was OK.

“And I text back I said, ‘I’m OK, but I don’t know what’s going on,’” Osteen said, adding that the church is lucky to have law enforcement.

“It was traumatic, you know, for a lot of people that were here and even people that weren’t here, because this is our church and this is what God has given us,” Osteen said. “For somebody to come in and kind of, not kind of, but to violate and do something crazy — but you know what? Like we singing in all these songs, we trust in God.”

Osteen also honored the church’s security team during his remarks, calling them “heroes.”

He cried as he instructed everyone to hold hands in prayer.

“Lord, we thank you again for what you’ve done. We don’t take for granted, Lord, it could have been a different story this Sunday,” he said.

During the service, Osteen preached about defining moments that can make someone decide to live in fear.

“That’s where we are at Lakewood,” Osteen said. “This troubled woman came in and tried to do harm. This is a critical moment. As a church we can shrink back, ‘It’s dangerous, let’s hide our life. Let’s just go under the radar.’ But this is a time to shine brighter than ever, to share more hope, to dig down deep and say, ‘We will not fear, for our God is stronger, our God is greater.’”

A motive is still not clear, but police said they believe Moreno acted alone. A dispute between Moreno and her ex-husband’s family, some of whom are Jewish, may be related to the shooting, Houston Police Cmdr. Chris Hassig said in a news briefing earlier this week.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.


Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'What are the Republicans waiting for?'

‘Why Are Republicans Delaying Action?’

WASHINGTON — President Trump expressed frustration on social media as a procedural…
Lawsuit alleges Chicago police pattern of excessive force in officer-involved shootings; Timothy Glaze killed in Little Village

Lawsuit Claims Chicago Police Exhibit Consistent Use of Excessive Force in Officer-Involved Shootings; Timothy Glaze Fatality in Little Village Highlighted

CHICAGO (WLS) — Warning: Some viewers may find the video content in…
Four dead, 30 missing after ferry sinks near Indonesia's Bali, agency says

Tragic Ferry Accident Near Bali: Four Confirmed Dead, 30 Missing

Indonesian rescuers hurried to locate victims in choppy waters on Thursday after…
Sean 'Diddy' Combs denied bail after mixed verdict in sex trafficking trial; virtual hearing set for Tuesday

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs denied bail following mixed verdict in sex trafficking case; online court session scheduled for Tuesday

SUNSET PARK, Brooklyn — On Wednesday, outside the federal courthouse, Sean “Diddy”…
UCAN Chicago program: Nearly 200 youth pledge to be ambassadors for peace at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church on South Side

Nearly 200 Youth Commit to Promoting Peace at UCAN Chicago Event at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church

CHICAGO (WLS) — Hundreds of young people took a pledge to be…
Congressional intern killed in Washington, D.C. shooting, police offer reward for multiple suspects

D.C. Shooting Claims Life of Congressional Intern; Police Announce Reward to Capture Suspects

A Congressional intern was shot and killed in Washington, D.C. on Monday…
Kennedy Expressway construction: Chicago traffic expected to be impacted by new I-90/94 lane, ramp closures July 7 and 8: IDOT

Kennedy Expressway Roadwork: Chicago Traffic Faces Disruptions from I-90/94 Lane and Ramp Closures on July 7 and 8, Says IDOT

CHICAGO (WLS) — There will be new shifting traffic patterns on the…
Small plane goes down at New Jersey airport in 'mass casualty' emergency

Small Aircraft Crash at New Jersey Airport Results in ‘Mass Casualty’ Situation

A skydiving airplane crashed Wednesday after it went off the end of…
MS-13 leader in Trump’s crosshairs to be sentenced in racketeering case involving 8 Long Island murders

MS-13 Leader Targeted by Trump to Be Sentenced for Racketeering Tied to 8 Long Island Murders

An MS-13 gang leader from a New York City suburb is set…
Plane crash at an airport with emergency personnel and onlookers.

Haunting Audio Captures Russians Shooting Down Plane on Christmas, Killing 38, Aware It Wasn’t a Ukrainian Drone

A CHILLING audio clip has emerged revealing the moment Russians shot down…
What charges did Sean 'Diddy' Combs face at his trial?

What were the legal accusations against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs in court?

The three-time Grammy Award winner pleaded not guilty to five felony charges,…
Tunnel to Towers Celebrates Independence Day by Delivering 25 Mortgage-Free Homes to Heroes

Tunnel to Towers Commemorates Independence Day by Gifting 25 Mortgage-Free Homes to American Heroes

As America marks its Independence Day, Frank Siller, the Chairman and CEO…