The service is expected to draw tens-of-thousands from around the tri-state area, and will feature music from GRAMMY Award-winning worship leader Israel Houghton and a message by Osteen. Tickets cost $15. Trinity Broadcasting Network will be broadcasting the event live beginning at 7 p.m.
Joel Osteen, who leads 40,000-member Lakewood Church, told New York magazine that his core message would be “God’s on their side. He’s going to bring us through difficult times. Don’t be talked into being defeated and negative. Know that you can have a blessed year.”
On Thursday and Friday, the Osteens were to partner with Feed the Children to distribute food and other supplies in the New York area.
Earlier in the week, Osteen appeared at a luncheon with William Rios, one of 19 crewmen aboard the Maersk Alabama, which was attacked by Somali pirates earlier this month, according to the Associated Press. The ship’s captain, Richard Phillips, had been taken hostage in the ordeal that ended on Easter Sunday when Navy SEALS killed three of the pirates.
After his release, Rios said one of the first things he wanted to do was attend his Harlem church. The 41-yearr-old spoke at Second St. John Baptist Church April 19.
Cheri Fuller and Cindy Lamb Curry 
Marilyn Hickey 
Charisma Staff 
