Houston's Lakewood Church issued a statement after being heavily accused on social media of refusing to open its doors to the hurricanes' evacuees.
Writing to the "Lakewood Church family", the statement read: "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."
Lakewood will be streaming a previous service on https://t.co/6cGZkDmuW1, our mobile app and SiriusXM ch.128. pic.twitter.com/XJXPXTpbBz
— Lakewood Church (@lakewoodch) August 26, 2017
The church received a backlash after posting on its online platforms that "Lakewood Church is inaccessible due to severe flooding!"
The megachurch listed other "safe shelters around" and urged people to share the post.
However, people took to social media to criticise the church and shared pictures instead of the area surrounding the church with streets that were accessible.
Shame on Joel Osteen. Jesus would open the doors and care for the needy. What a disgrace to #houston and #LakewoodChurch!
— Rune (@RuneK_15) August 29, 2017
Lakewood members came to the church's defence and responded by sharing pictures of how the church had been affected by the tropical storm.
Seriously quite sickening when people spread negative news without knowing the situation. This is the situation of our church @lakewoodch pic.twitter.com/0KKBmu6hW8
— Lynne Gabriel (@heyitslynneg) August 28, 2017
The church statement also said: "In the meantime, know that our prayers for strength and comfort for each of you will continue, as well as our prayers for God's help as we navigate the upcoming days and months together.
"We love you. And we are praying. Together, we will make it through this difficult time."
Senior Pastor, Osteen said "our hearts break as we see the damage and destruction in our city. Please join us in helping Houston recover".
In a statement quoted by ABC, Osteen said: "We have never closed our doors.
"We will continue to be a distribution centre to 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."
Lakewood Church has partnered with Samaritan's Purse to assist with volunteer efforts in the Greater Houston Area. People can sign up on the church's website to help.
Lakewood is a nondenominational church that hosts about 52,000 attendees weekly and is one of the largest congregations in America.
