Joel Osteen To Open Megachurch To Harvey Victims After Receiving Backlash

Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, released a statement Monday saying they would open their doors to the victims of Hurricane Harvey after receiving severe backlash on social media during the weekend over keeping their doors closed to the victims.

The statement from the church read: "We have never closed our doors. We will continue to be a distribution center for those in need. We are prepared to house people once shelters reach capacity. Lakewood will be a value to the community in the aftermath of this storm in helping our fellow citizens rebuild their lives," ABC News reported.

LGBTQ activist Charles Clymer posted an image inside the church Monday night showing air mattresses being placed, and captioned it saying the church is "prepping to open their doors."

In a separate tweet, Clymer also said "A source at Lakewood Church just told me they're planning to open their doors to Houston's homeless and displaced. Finally."

Osteen, the famed pastor of the megachurch, defended himself during the weekend after receiving a lot of social media flak for not offering shelter to the victims of the hurricane that has already dumped 20 to 40 inches of rain on the Houston area alone and is expected to increase with time.

In a post on his Twitter account on Saturday, Osteen wrote: "Victoria & I are praying for everyone affected by Hurricane Harvey. Please join us as we pray for the safety of our Texas friends & family."

In another tweet, he said "Give people the grace to change," defending himself after receiving criticism.

He also posted a tweet with the link to the website of the church and asked for help with recovering the city from the damages by the hurricane.

On Sunday, in response to numerous requests that the church, which can house over 16,000 people, be opened for victims, Lakewood Church posted on their official Facebook page that it is "inaccessible due to severe flooding" and listed a number of nearby Houston shelters for the displaced residents.

The Facebook post from the church garnered severe backlash on social media, with people posting photos of the building, once home to the NBA's Houston Rockets, that showed that the massive structure had not been damaged by the hurricane and the torrential downpour in the area.

On their official website, the church also wrote: "We want to let you know that our hearts are with each of you and your families during this difficult time. We are praying for you and we are praying for our city, and for all of those affected by the devastating flooding and rains caused by Hurricane Harvey. We love you and we love this city. And we want to help."

Their responses to requests to open the doors of the church were criticized severely on social media. Some users on Twitter said he is not a true Christian, while some said he is a scammer.