Lakewood Church pastors recognized for work during Hurricane Harvey

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - Pastor Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church and his wife, co-pastor Victoria, were presented with a surprise proclamation from the City of Houston for their efforts during Hurricane Harvey on Tuesday afternoon. Houston City Council member Jack Christie first requested the proclamation for the Osteen family, which was initially criticized for the church's initial response to aid Hurricane Harvey victims, but Lakewood Church ultimately "served as a major distribution center supplying more than 1,050 pallets of essential supplies" during the natural disaster.

The Osteen family was caught by surprise with the proclamation and thought they were headed to Houston City Hall to lead a prayer on Thursday afternoon. Mayor Turner issued the following letter of Proclamation for Pastor Osteen and his family: