Genesse Moreno : “Houston Megachurch Offers Healing Service After Shooting”

Houston Megachurch to Hold Special Service Following Tragic Shooting Incident

Residents of Houston are still reeling from the shocking events that unfolded at Lakewood Church last week. A week after a woman opened fire in one of its hallways, the megachurch is preparing to hold a special service on Sunday.

Lakewood Church, led by celebrity pastor Joel Osteen, has been closed since the incident occurred on February 11. The shooting, which resulted in the death of the perpetrator, sent worshippers into a state of panic as they scrambled for safety.

Genesse Moreno, 36, entered the church with her 7-year-old son and began firing indiscriminately. Thankfully, she did not reach the main sanctuary and was swiftly taken down by security officers. Two individuals were injured in the shooting, including Moreno’s son who sustained a gunshot wound to the head.

Questions surrounding the motive behind Moreno’s actions and how she acquired the AR-style rifle she used still remain unanswered. Moreno’s former mother-in-law, Walli Carranza, revealed that she had long struggled with mental health issues and believes that a combination of systemic failures and lax gun laws contributed to the tragic event.

In a video message shared on social media, Joel Osteen expressed his gratitude for the support the church has received during this challenging time. The special service scheduled for Sunday aims to promote healing and restoration within the community.

Osteen emphasised the importance of not succumbing to fear in the face of adversity, stating, “There are forces that would like for us to shrink back and live in fear, but we are people of faith. God has us in the palm of his hand, and this is not the time to shrink back.”

Background of the Incident

Moreno had sporadically attended services at Lakewood Church for a couple of years, but there were no records of her presence after 2022. Concerns about her mental health had been raised to church officials in the past, but no intervention was made.

Texas currently does not have a “red flag” law in place, which could have potentially prevented Moreno from accessing firearms due to her mental health struggles. Moreno used aliases of both genders, but investigators confirmed her identity as female.

Joel Osteen, who reaches thousands through his weekly sermons, is a prominent figure in the religious community. Despite the recent tragedy, he remains steadfast in his commitment to providing spiritual guidance to his congregation.

As the community comes together to mourn the events of last week, the upcoming service at Lakewood Church serves as a beacon of hope and unity in the face of adversity.

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