‘For Anybody and Everybody’: Lakewood, Other Churches Offer Shelter From Massive Winter Storm

As a massive winter storm continues to surge across the U.S., churches are stepping up to respond. In many areas, power outages and rolling blackouts have left tens of thousands in need, and churches are offering warmth and shelter in the name of Jesus.

Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church, Houston, Texas, posted the announcement of its opening as a designated warming center in a Facebook post yesterday, requesting prayer “for our Texas family as we get through this winter storm.”

City Hope Church in Wichita Falls, Texas, also used Facebook to announce its availability as a shelter on Monday. In a brief video, Pastor Ben Murray invited people to drive to the church if they could or to comment on the post for a ride as needed. “It is going to be warm,” he said of the church. “We’re even bringing in a generator for backup power, but that’s our heart: We just want to make sure you’re safe and you’re warm.”

“Of course, you don’t have to be a church member of even go to church or even believe in God to get warm,” he told the Times Record News. “It’s for anybody and everybody.”

Late Monday, the church also shared its willingness to house people until power is restored.

And various churches and ministries are reaching out to the homeless, especially vulnerable in situations like this. San Antonio’s Church Under the Bridge is asking people to “get the word out” that “no one should have to sleep outside unless they decide that on their own. There are many options available.” {eoa}

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