LAKEWOOD CHURCH

The man who discovered stacks of money at Lakewood Church says he thought Pastor Joel Osteen would have contacted him by now to thank him for doing the right thing.

The plumber responsible for finding a large sum of money inside the walls of Joel Osteen's Lakewood megachurch says he believes he should get a reward.

Lakewood Church, an evangelical non-denominational Christian church in Houston, is in the headlines <a href="https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2021/12/02/money-checks-found-in-wall-of-joel-osteens-lakewood-church-years-after-600k-burglary/" target="_blank">after a plumber said he found hundreds of envelopes filled with cash and checks in a wall</a> at the church’s central campus facility.

A man named 'Justin' says found 'about 500' envelopes filled with cash and checks hidden...

Envelopes full of cash and checks were found behind a loose toilet by a plumber doing repairs at celebrity televangelist Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Texas.

Envelopes full of cash and checks were found behind a loose toilet by a plumber doing repairs at celebrity televangelist Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Texas, according to church officials.

Lakewood Church via a representative has acknowledged cash and checks were found at the facility during repairs, years after a burglary of $600,000, in 2014.

Through the gifting of shoes, an international nonprofit organization aims to create doorways of hope and messages of inspiration to those who need it most.

International opera star Andrea Bocelli will be hosting an evening packed with music and unity at Lakewood Church on Friday, Oct. 22.

Joe Raedle/GettyA Houston megachurch, whose celebrity pastor is reportedly worth $50 million, has repaid the federal government $4.4 million in pandemic loans after going viral for the outrageous handout. Lakewood Church, which is tax-exempt like most religious institutions, took $4.4 million in taxpayer-funded Paycheck Protection Program loans at the height of the COVID pandemic last year—all while senior pastor Joel Osteen flaunted his insane wealth. It caused “Osteen” and “Ferrari” to trend o

Initial critiques of the loan said the government essentially handed out grants to fund religious groups which goes against the Constitution.

While the full scope of the devastation caused by Hurricane Ida may not be known for days, it’s already evident that many across Louisiana will need help.

HOUSTON – As millions go without electricity during record cold temperatures, Lakewood Church opens its doors as a warming center to help anyone in need of shelter. The church is working with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and local organizations to be available. Church officials said no one will be turned away and can enter at either the entrance at Edloe or Norfolk streets. On Tuesday, Pastor Joel Osteen visited the warming center and discussed his reasoning on why he decided to open his church’s doors. “You know, as soon as we heard this storm was going to be a huge storm, we knew that we were in position to help,” Osteen said.

5 bills to watch in Texas in 2021 Leaders have set the tone for what legislation will cause the biggest debates. Galveston is shutting down again The new move came after seven straight days of high hospitalization rates.

Galveston is shutting down again The new move came after seven straight days of high hospitalization rates. 25 wild animal stories that happened in Texas in 2020 Here are 25 wild animal stories that happened in Texas in 2020.

The internet is still not over how much money this megachurch got Remember how much Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church got in a PPP loan during the pandemic? Gerald Green deserves better from the Rockets It's not the Rockets' fault, but it's still a shame that Gerald Green isn't on the team.

The internet is still not over how much money this megachurch got Remember how much Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church got in a PPP loan during the pandemic? Gerald Green deserves better from the Rockets It's not the Rockets' fault, but it's still a shame that Gerald Green isn't on the team.

HOUSTON – Since reports surfaced that Joel and Victoria Osteen’s Lakewood Church received $4.4 million in Payroll Protection Program loans, the Osteens have responded through Lakewood representatives, saying that it initially did not accept help. A screenshot from the Lakewood Church Facebook announcement that it will reopen for the first time since the start of the pandemic. Believing the shutdown would only last a few weeks, Lakewood did not initially accept PPP assistance during the first half of the program. It is important to note that, since 2004, Pastors Joel and Victoria Osteen have not received salaries from Lakewood Church, and the PPP funds do not provide any personal financial benefit to them, whatsoever. Donald IloffThe exterior of Lakewood Church in Houston is seen in this undated image.

HOUSTON – The memorial service for a Houston Fire Department arson investigator, Lemuel Bruce, was held Thursday at Lakewood Church. KPRC 2 hosted a live stream of the day’s remembrances and here are some of the moments that stayed with us from the services. Outside LakewoodA flag flew from two fire trucks outside the church, welcoming law enforcement and firefighters from around our region. The memorial service for a Houston Fire Department arson investigator, Lemuel Bruce, was held on Oct. 22, 2020, at Lakewood Church. Photos from the memorial service of Lemuel Bruce on Oct. 22, 2020.

HOUSTON – The memorial service for a Houston Fire Department arson investigator, Lemuel 'DJ’ Bruce, was held Thursday morning at Lakewood Church. Full Screen 1 / 27 The memorial service for a Houston Fire Department arson investigator, Lemuel Bruce, was held on Oct. 22, 2020, at Lakewood Church. You will be missed, but not forgotten," Marc Rio, Bruce’s brother-in-law, said at the memorial service. he was going to prove you wrong and perfect it and do it better," Rio said. He made things better,” Rio said.

HOUSTON – Lakewood Church announced Monday that its in-person services will resume in October -- the first time since March amid the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. The megachurch made the announcement on its website and social media pages Monday. The first service is slated for October 18, at 10 a.m. “We have missed you so much and it is going to be so much fun to get together, to worship together,” Victoria Osteen said. “We have been it online, but to be in the presence of God in the House, it is going to be phenomenal.”

There are already several ways you can help those who are dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Laura. Health-focused relief help with AmericaresOne organization is organizing help for impacted health care centers. Please join us as we help our neighbors in E Texas & Louisiana who are affected by Hurricane Laura. How can I help hurricane victims? Before making a donation, we recommend everyone research charities that are soliciting donations for Hurricane Laura relief efforts.

Mariah Carey, Tyler Perry highlight Lakewood's online Easter serviceMariah Carey performing from her home for Lakewoods virtual Easter service. Mariah Carey performing from her home for Lakewoods virtual Easter service. The hour-long Easter service featured a performance by Grammy award-winning Mariah Carey, which was dedicated to first responders. Tyler Perry also joined in the virtual service, sharing his own inspiring message of faith. EASTER AT LAKEWOOD: Lakewood's virtual Easter service features Mariah Carey's special performance for first respondersHouston Police Chief Art Acevedo and Houston Fire Chief Samuel Pea also made a special appearance in the service.

Virtual Easter service at Houston's Lakewood Church to include Kanye West, Mariah Carey, Tyler PerryPastor Joel Osteen and Kayne West will once again share the spotlight at Lakewood Church. Only this time, virtually and with Mariah Carey and Tyler Perry, the church announced Tuesday. Only this time, virtually and with Mariah Carey and Tyler Perry, the church announced Tuesday. Photo: Godofredo A. Vsquez, Staff Photographer Photo: Godofredo A. Vsquez, Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 62 Caption Close Virtual Easter service at Houston's Lakewood Church to include Kanye West, Mariah Carey, Tyler Perry 1 / 62 Back to GalleryPastor Joel Osteen and Kayne West will once again share the spotlight at Lakewood Church. Only this time, virtually and with Mariah Carey and Tyler Perry.

HOUSTON – The Lakewood Church Easter service on Sunday, April 12 is going to be a big one. Pastor Joel Osteen will be joined again by rapper Kanye West for the service, along with singer Mariah Carey and actor, director and producer Tyler Perry, the church confirmed to KPRC 2 Tuesday. Lakewood Church later confirmed all the reported details of the event with KPRC 2. Church officials also said the service will be pre-recorded, on Friday, April 10. To stream Lakewood Church services and for more information, visit the Lakewood Church website.

HOUSTON – American Red Cross is facing a blood shortage after many blood drive events were canceled during this coronavirus pandemic. In order to help out, Lakewood Church announced it is hosting an emergency blood drive starting Monday. The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is following all heightened CDC recommendations regarding sanitization and safety to provide a clean, safe environment for donation. To register for the blood drive, sign up on the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center website. Register on the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center website

Services at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church moved online only amid coronavirus concernsKanye West's visit to Lakewood is tied to the release of Wests gospel album Jesus is King. Last month, it became his ninth consecutive album to top the Billboard 200 album chart. less Kanye West's visit to Lakewood is tied to the release of Wests gospel album Jesus is King. Last month, it became his ninth consecutive album to top the Billboard 200 album chart. Earlier today, TMZ reported the megachurch's services would go on despite the City of Houston's coronavirus emergency declaration. Osteen's Lakewood Church can seat a congregation of 16,000 according to previous reports by the Houston Chronicle. Chron.com has reached out to Lakewood Church for comment.

EMBED >More News Videos The experience didn't get started until nearly an hour after showtime with lines wrapped around the building. HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- It looks like rapper Kanye West and Lakewood Church Pastor Joel Osteen will team up at Yankee Stadium in 2020.A Lakewood spokesperson confirmed a report on TMZ saying that the pair would take the stage together again for an event similar to what was held at the Houston megachurch a few weeks ago.West was in Houston on Nov. 17 for a conversation during the morning service at Lakewood. Later that evening, JESUS IS KING: A Sunday Service Experience rocked the crowd.The event at Yankee Stadium is apparently set for May 2, 2020 and would be part of Osteen's "America's Night of Hope" tour, which usually hits several cities.Lakewood said it is still working out the details of the New York event.Osteen and his wife Victoria have brought "America's Night of Hope" to the famed stadium before. He and his wife hosted the event there in 2014. At that time, tickets were sold online at yankees.com, joelosteen.com and Ticketmaster.

Kanye West and Joel Osteen to reunite for special event at Yankee StadiumKanye West joined senior pastor Joel Osteen and talked about overcoming adversity and his faith journey during the morning service at Lakewood Church Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, in Houston. Kanye West joined senior pastor Joel Osteen and talked about overcoming adversity and his faith journey during the morning service at Lakewood Church Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, in Houston. Photo: Godofredo A. Vsquez, Staff Photographer Photo: Godofredo A. Vsquez, Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 49 Caption Close Kanye West and Joel Osteen to reunite for special event at Yankee Stadium 1 / 49 Back to GalleryJoel Osteen and Kanye West are teaming up once again. A representative for Houstons Lakewood Church confirmed Thursday that the dynamic duo will share the stage at New Yorks Yankee Stadium on May 2, 2020. This will be our third time at Yankee Stadium.

HOUSTON – Kanye West and Lakewood Church megachurch pastor Joel Osteen are teaming up to fill New York’s Yankee Stadium in 2020, the church told KPRC 2 Thursday morning. The church confirmed the details of a TMZ report which explained the media mogul and megachurch pastor will hold an event on May 2, 2020, which will be part of Osteen’s “America’s Night of Hope,” which Osteen plans to take to cities across the U.S.West and Osteen previously worked together at Lakewood in Houston in November. In addition to a performance and spiritual message at Lakewood, West performed at the Harris County Jail. This is a developing story. Lakewood Church tells KPRC 2 more details will be released.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Philip Cornish had quite the homecoming at Lakewood Church on Nov. 17.The music director and organist for Kanye West's Sunday Service choir grew up in the Houston area and graduated from Fort Bend Hightower High School. His younger brother, Paul Cornish is the pianist and graduated from HSPVA.ABC13 reporter Erica Simon caught up with him via FaceTime in between practices.Cornish describes Sunday's performance as electrifying.He equates what happened at Lakewood as the highlight of his career thus far. They sung records from Ye's new 'Jesus is King' album, and also remixed several R&B classics to give it Christian lyrics. It's a movement that's reached millions and it is one Cornish says he's grateful to be a part of. "To be able to live out God's calling on your life is a blessing," Cornish said.Music is in Cornish's blood.

Kanye West's visit to Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston prompts hilarious memesSource: Twitter Source: Twitter Photo: Screenshot From Twitter Photo: Screenshot From Twitter Image 1 of / 37 Caption Close Kanye West's visit to Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston prompts hilarious memes 1 / 37 Back to GalleryIn one of Houston's weirder moments of 2019, megachurch pastor Joel Osteen hosted Kanye West at Lakewood Church in Houston over the weekend. Click through the gallery above to see the hilarious memes that spawned from Kanye's appearance at the Houston megachurch. At one point during West's 20-minute speech Sunday morning, he told the crowd that "the greatest artist that God ever created is working for Him." At another point, West basically asked one particularly vocal member of the audience to be quiet. From Kanye's "humble" proclamation to Osteen's own controversial past in the Bayou City, nothing was off limits.

HOUSTON - Rapper Kanye Wests conversation with Houston pastor Joel Osteen will take place during Lakewood Churchs 11 a.m. service today. @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/XIslipQYy9 Taisha Walker (@KPRC2Taisha) November 17, 2019Olsteen shares why he believes Kanye's spiritual awakeningPastor Joel Osteen shared why he believes Kanyes religious walk is real and not just for show. @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/IzEnoEayoA Taisha Walker (@KPRC2Taisha) November 17, 2019Olsteen, Kim and Kanye seen leaving serviceNori, Kim Kardashian West, Kanye West and Pastor Joel Osteen were all walking over to address the media after service. @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/FMoXTKuv6f Taisha Walker (@KPRC2Taisha) November 17, 2019"Brothers from different walks"Pastor Joel Osteen said he and Kanye are both brothers from different walks for life spreading Gods message. Theres already a small line of people waiting in line for the 7pm Kanye gospel concert at Lakewood Church.

HOUSTON - Rapper Kanye West's conversation with Houston pastor Joel Osteen will take place during Lakewood Church's 11 a.m. service today. Seats at Lakewood Church filling up fast ahead of 11 a.m. serviceJust made it inside the sanctuary for the 11am service where @kanyewest will be in attendance. Seats are filling up fast here at Lakewood Church. There's already a small line of people waiting in line for the 7pm Kanye gospel concert at Lakewood Church. The folks in front tell me they've been out here since 5am, as in 14 hours early.

HOUSTON - The free tickets for rapper Kayne West's service at Lakewood Church on Sunday were claimed within minutes after they were posted online Saturday morning. Lakewood Church warned that the tickets are "non-transferrable," in a statement earlier in the week. Lakewood wants to warn everyone that all tickets posted on StubHub or any other ticketing sites are fraud." West will perform at Lakewood Church at the 7 p.m. service on Sunday. There is no word yet on how Lakewood Church plans to curb such tactics.

(CNN) - A small army of armchair entrepreneurs have taken to Craigslist and Twitter offering tickets to see Kanye West perform at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church on Sunday for as much as $250 each. ET "Sunday Service" performance in Houston. This is an issue we've been dealing with for years and years," Iloff said regarding the scalping of tickets. West's "Sunday Service" performances have included exuberant versions of hits like "Jesus Walks" and a handful of gospel songs, as was the case in Chicago in September. Lakewood, which was once the Compaq Center sports arena, can hold 16,000 people for the performance, Iloff said.

Copyright (c) 2018 CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved. HOUSTON - Public tickets to Kanye West's highly-anticipated Lakewood concert became available at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning and were all claimed less than twenty minutes later. Members of Lakewood Church were given the opportunity to snag tickets beginning Friday while tickets for the public were not made available until Saturday. Kanye West's 7 p.m. Sunday performance at Lakewood Church is expected to draw a crowd of some 17,000 people. Copyright 2019 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

HOUSTON - Rapper Kanye West performed at Harris County Jail Friday after he arrived in Houston for a weekend service at Lakewood Church. In a video from the Harris County Sheriff's Office, the rapper can be seen performing on an elevated platform. It came from his team," said Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. Harris County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Jason Spencer also shared a photo of the rapper in an elevator. But @kanyewest and his choir brought some light to people who needed it today at the Harris County Jail.

HOUSTON - Kanye West's 7 p.m. Sunday performance at Lakewood Church is expected to draw a sell-out crowd of some 17,000 people, but all of those tickets are supposed to be absolutely free and available to everyone. Lakewood Church issued this statement about tickets: "In regards to tickets being sold on StubHub, all of the tickets are non-transferable. Lakewood wants to warn everyone that all tickets posted on StubHub or any other ticketing sites are fraud". Lakewood Church said free, general admission tickets to the show can be obtained through Ticketmaster.com or the Ticketmaster app beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday. Lakewood said anything other than Ticketmaster tickets will be considered fraudulent.

HOUSTON - A date has been set for Kanye West to appear at Lakewood Church. In late October, Joel Osteen confirmed to KPRC2 that he was expecting the rapper to visit Lakewood Church in the next few weeks. According to TMZ, Kanye West will take the stage with Osteen for a 20- to 30-minute interview during the 11 a.m. service on Sunday, Nov,17. The celebrity news site reports that Osteen wants the 45,000 attendees of Lakewood and its TV audience of 10 million "to hear how Kanye West has overcome significant adversity," according to TMZ. Kanye is not expected to perform at the service, but TMZ reports that the artist hasn't appeared anywhere on a Sunday without his choir.

(CNN) - Kanye West is reportedly bringing a bit of his Sunday Service to Joel Osteen's megachurch. The rapper will visit the pastor's Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, on Sunday, a representative for the church told the Houston Chronicle Tuesday. West has been promoting his new album, "Jesus Is King," and performing with his choir in various cities. Iloff said the idea to have West visit Osteen's church came together while the rapper was in town for the festival. West recently appeared at The Forum arena in Inglewood, California, and at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

Kayne West to appear at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in HoustonKanye West will attend service at Joel Osteens Lakewood Church on Sunday, Donald Iloff, Jr., a representative for the church confirmed. Kanye West will attend service at Joel Osteens Lakewood Church on Sunday, Donald Iloff, Jr., a representative for the church confirmed. Photo: Getty Images Photo: Getty Images Image 1 of / 4 Caption Close Kayne West to appear at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston 1 / 4 Back to GalleryKanye West will attend service at Joel Osteens Lakewood Church on Sunday, Donald Iloff, Jr., a representative for the church confirmed. Joel is still putting his questions together, but he will talk about Kanyes journey to his faith, Iloff said. Lakewood Church, which seats 16,000, has a congregation of close to 70,000, Iloff said.

Kanye West's 'Jesus Is King' has tied Eminem's record, becoming West's ninth consecutive number one album. HOUSTON - A date has been set for Kanye West to appear at Lakewood Church. In late October, Joel Osteen confirmed to KPRC2 he is expecting the rapper to visit Lakewood Church in the next few weeks. According to TMZ, Kanye West will take with stage with Osteen for a 20- to 30-minute interview during the 11 a.m. service on Sunday, November 17. The celebrity news site reports Osteen wants the 45,000 attendees of Lakewood and its TV audience of 10 million, "to hear how Kanye West has overcome significant adversity," according to TMZ.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston police are responding to reports of a bomb threat at Lakewood Church Sunday morning.Authorities say the church received a possible bomb threat around 12 p.m.Officials immediately responded to the church located at 3700 Southwest Fwy, but did not find an incident.Police are still investigating the threat.

Alleged bomb threat disrupts traffic outside Lakewood ChurchLakewood Church bought the former Summit arena in 2010 after leasing it for seven years. Lakewood Church bought the former Summit arena in 2010 after leasing it for seven years. Photo: Elizabeth Conely/Houston Chronicle Photo: Elizabeth Conely/Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 5 Caption Close Alleged bomb threat disrupts traffic outside Lakewood Church 1 / 5 Back to GalleryA possible bomb threat Sunday at Houstons Lakewood Church prompted a brief closure of a feeder road to Southwest Freeway, according to police and media reports. The threat was called in at 12:05 p.m. as 11 a.m. church services were ending, police said. READ ALSO: Woman killed in multi-car crash in SpringSouthwest Freeway remained open to traffic as police shut down the Weslayan Street off-ramp.

HOUSTON - Joel Osteen confirmed to KPRC2 he is expecting Kanye West to visit Lakewood Church in the next few weeks. "There is no scheduled date for Kanye to come to Lakewood. Joel and Kanye do talk, in fact as recently as two weeks ago. Kanye does plan to come to a service in the near future, but no date has been set yet," Senior Executive of Joel Osteen Ministries, Donald Illoff said. Earlier this year, West created an invite-only, church-style gathering called "Sunday Service."

Joel Osteen confirmed to KPRC2 he is expecting Kanye West to visit Lakewood Church in the next few weeks. Copyright 2019 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

EMBED >More News Videos Kanye West holds church service at Coachella on Easter SundayHOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Mega-rapper Kanye West may soon be making an appearance during a Sunday service at Lakewood Church, according to a church spokesperson.The church told ABC13 Friday that pastor Joel Osteen has personally invited the rapper to visit the church.The spokesperson said Osteen and West "do speak from time to time," and according to an article published by TMZ, Osteen is a fan of West and believes his life is rooted in faith and love.There is no specific date set for the rapper's visit.West released a gospel album Friday entitled "Jesus is King."

Heres a list of emergency shelters in the greater Houston region open to assist those affected by Tropical Depression Imelda:Harris CountySt. Timothy Lutheran Church, 14225 Hargrave Rd, Houston, TX 77070Rd, Houston, TX 77070 Lakewood Church, 3700 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77027Gallery Furniture, 6006 North Fwy, Houston, TX 77076Sheldon Elementary School, 17203 Hall Shepperd Rd, Houston, TX 77049Rd, Houston, TX 77049 St. James Catholic Church, 22800 Aldine Westfield Rd, Spring, TX 77373St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 1915 Farm to Market 1960 Bypass, Humble, TX 77338Humble First Assembly of God, 1915 Farm to Market 1960 Bypass, Humble, TX 77338Harvest Time Church, 17770 Imperial Valley Dr, Houston, TX 77060Kingwood Community Center, 4102 Rustic Woods Dr, Kingwood, TX 77345Northeast Multi-Service Center, 9720 Spaulding St, Houston, TX 77016Acres Homes Multi Service Center, 6719 W Montgomery Rd, Houston, TX 77091Chambers CountyWhite Park Community Center, 225 White Park Drive, Anahuac , TX 77514, TX 77514 Don McLeod Park Community Center, 10717 Langston Dr, Mont Belvieu , TX 77580Montgomery CountyEast Montgomery County Senior Center, 21679 McCleskey Rd, New Caney , TX 77357Rd, New , TX 77357 Sts . Simon And Jude Catholic Parish, 26777 Glen Loch Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77381. Simon And Jude Catholic Parish, 26777 Glen Loch Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77381 Wildwood United Methodist Church, 8911 Farm to Market Rd 1488, Magnolia, TX 77354Jefferson CountyFirst Baptist Church, 25304 TX-124, Hamshire , TX 77622, TX 77622 Beaumont Civic Center, 701 Main St, Beaumont, TX 77701Grace Community Baptist Church, 22044 Burrell-Wingate Rd, Beaumont, TX 77705Orange CountyWe will continue to update this list as more information becomes available. Copyright 2019 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

HOUSTON - A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a 24-year-old man who is accused of setting a fire outside Lakewood Church last month. He stopped and poured the liquid in the shrubbery, which is about 10 to 12 feet away from the south wall of the church, according to authorities. He then lit the shrubbery, according to investigators. According to court documents, Jeanlouis was identified by the clothing he was wearing at the time of his detainment. It was compared to the clothing the person in the surveillance video was wearing at the time the fire was started.