Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston resumed Sunday service last week with a special message for the 7-year-old boy caught in the crossfires of a horrific shooting at the church earlier this month.
Osteen asked God to “show him your mercy,” and prayed to “heal the hurts in that family.”
The boy, Samuel, has been identified as the son of Genesse Ivonne Moreno, the woman who opened fire at the Houston church. Samuel was rushed to the hospital after suffering a gunshot wound to the head. His mother, Moreno, was shot and killed.
On Facebook, Samuel’s paternal grandmother shared a tragic update on his condition.
“Samuel has lost a major part of what makes us who we are.....a portion of his frontal lobe,” wrote Walli Carranza.“Half of his right skull has to be surgically removed during two surgeries done in less than 24 hours. He was in cardiac arrest multiple times and no one can determine whether he has significant brain activity because his scalp tissue is too friable to allow the attachment of EEG wires.”
Carranza also used the update to discuss the multiple societal failures she believes led to her grandson to a hospital room, including a lack of gun control.
“The very same legislators who claim to be “pro-life” believe that unbridled gun rights matter and the right to life does not!
Insanity!
Because CPS of Harris and Montgomery County, despite more than 20 reports of neglect and medical abuse and medical neglect and reckless endangerment by the mother who was caught with guns in her diaper bag and purse and car DID NOTHING!
My faith tradition demands of me compassion and I have it for my deceased daughter in law. She had schizophrenia and now we know, anti-social personality disorder. Her brain was broken.
What is the excuse for those who knew and did nothing and for legislators who refuse to allow red flag laws but do allow anyone to buy an assault weapon.
Repeal the 2nd Amendment!”
Samuel wasn’t the only one injured in the shooting: A 57-year-old man was shot in the hip. However, he has since been discharged. Aside from Moreno, there were no other fatalities.
During Sunday’s service, Osteen shared a message of hope in the face of fear. “This is a time to shine brighter than ever,” the pastor said, “to share more hope, to dig down deep and say, ‘We will not fear, for our God is stronger, our God is greater.’”