On Tuesday Lakewood Church tweeted that its doors were open to anyone needing shelter and it was seeking volunteers and collecting shelter supplies.
Thank you Houston. Your response has been overwhelming. We cannot thank enough the hundreds upon hundreds of volunteers who came out today! pic.twitter.com/hI1jl5Sry8
— Lakewood Church (@lakewoodch) August 29, 2017
Other tweets said staff from Lakewood was working with Houston city officials for the church to act as a collection site for distribution of food, clothing and other items.
Lakewood is also collecting diapers, baby formula, baby food and other supplies. Please bring these items to Lakewood at Circle Drive
— Lakewood Church (@lakewoodch) August 29, 2017
The church confirmed that several of its staff had to be rescued from their homes.
Amie McDonald, who is a co-youth pastor at Lakewood Church, shared the experience on Facebook.
She thanked God for two men who helped rescue her family through dangerous waters and asked for continued prayers for the thousands of Texans dealing with the aftermath of the hurricane.
Since the deadly storm hit Texas, Twitter users slammed the preacher for keeping his 16,000 seat Lakewood Church in Houston closed.
However, Lakewood members came to the church's defence by sharing photos of how the church had also been flooded due to treacherous rain.
A statement on the church's website said it was praying for victims and partnering with organisations to help with relief efforts.
In a statement quoted by ABC, Osteen said the church never closed its doors and was "prepared to house people once shelters reach capacity".
