Houston Megachurch Resumes Services Following Deadly Shooting Incident
A week after a tragic shooting incident that left the congregation of Lakewood Church in Houston shaken, the megachurch is set to resume services. The church, led by renowned pastor Joel Osteen, had been closed since the shooting occurred on February 11th. Worshippers were sent into a panic when a woman, identified as Genesse Moreno, opened fire in one of the church’s hallways. Moreno was quickly neutralized by security officers, but not before two people were injured, including her own 7-year-old son who was shot in the head and remains hospitalized.
The motive behind Moreno’s actions and the source of the AR-style rifle she used are still unknown. However, her former mother-in-law, Walli Carranza, shed some light on her troubled state of mind. Carranza revealed that Moreno had long struggled with mental illness and had been failed by the system that should have provided her the necessary support. She also pointed out the lax gun laws that allowed Moreno to possess such a weapon. It is a tragic reminder of the consequences when mental health issues are not adequately addressed and when gun control laws fall short.
In a heartfelt video message shared on social media, Pastor Joel Osteen announced that a special service would be held on Sunday at 11 a.m. CST to commemorate a “time of healing and restoration.” Osteen acknowledged the difficulty faced by the congregation in the aftermath of the shooting but also expressed gratitude for the protection and faithfulness of God during those trying times.
Osteen’s message emphasized the importance of not succumbing to fear and allowing it to hinder people from gathering together. He said, “There are forces that would like for us to shrink back and live in fear, afraid of what might happen…But we are not people of fear. We are people of faith.” Osteen’s words resonated with the congregation, reassuring them that they were not alone and that they would persevere through this tragedy.
Police are still investigating the motive behind Moreno’s actions and why she targeted Lakewood Church. According to church spokesman Don Iloff, Moreno had sporadically attended services at Lakewood for a couple of years, but there were no records of her presence after 2022. Carranza, however, claimed that she had made efforts to alert authorities and seek help for Moreno’s mental health struggles. Her attorney even sent emails to Lakewood Church in 2020 and 2021, requesting assistance in intervening. While the church has not found records of these emails yet, they are actively searching for them.
One glaring issue highlighted by this incident is the absence of a “red flag” law in Texas. Such a law would enable law enforcement or family members to petition a judge for the temporary seizure or surrender of firearms from individuals deemed dangerous due to mental health concerns or threats of violence. Texas’s lack of this legislation underscores the need for comprehensive gun control measures that prioritize public safety.
Despite this tragedy, Lakewood Church remains a beacon of hope for its congregation and the community at large. With approximately 45,000 people attending services each week, Lakewood is one of the largest megachurches in the United States. Pastor Joel Osteen’s impactful sermons reach millions more through televised broadcasts. The church’s resilience in the face of adversity serves as a testament to the unwavering faith and determination of its members.
As the congregation gathers once again for their special service, they stand united in their commitment to healing, restoration, and moving forward. The shooting at Lakewood Church was a devastating event, but it will not define the church or its community. They will continue to find solace, strength, and support in their shared faith, affirming that they are indeed people of faith and not people of fear.
