America’s Largest Christian Church Welcomes Ambassador from the World’s Largest Muslim Nation
Despite differences in theological beliefs and thought, the pastor of America’s largest Christian church welcomed an ambassador from the world’s most populous Muslim country, Sunday, January 9, 2004. The visit by Soemadi Brotodiningrat, Indonesia’s ambassador to the United States to the Lakewood Christian Church, was sparked by the urgent need to respond to the tsunami-earthquake disaster that literally shook the world two weeks ago.
"Disaster knows no color, no religious affinity," said Brotodiningrat, after the early morning service. "Now we realize that the response to the disaster knows no boundaries."
Meanwhile, Joel Osteen, senior pastor of North Houston church, called upon the congregation to pray that God will “supernaturally help” the devastated countries, according to the Houston Chronicle.
"We ask that you pour out your mercy as never before," said Osteen.
Lakewood, a nondenominational Christian protestant church, boasts a weekend attendance of 25,000, making it the largest in the country.
