Posted on 12/20/2005 4:08:06 PM PST by truthandlife
A dispute that involved the wife of Houston's most famous pastor, Joel Osteen, and a Continental Airlines flight attendant ended up delaying a flight for hours Monday. And now, Victoria Osteen's actions on that flight are in the spotlight. Also on ABC13.com: Send us a news tip | RSS feeds | ABC13 E-lert | Info mentioned on air Statements from Lakewood and Continental Following the incident on Continental flight 1602 Monday, both Lakewood Church and Continental Airlines released these statements. The Osteens run the largest church in the nation, so passengers on a Continental flight were shocked Monday when Mrs. Osteen was removed from that flight after a disturbance.
Taking time off from the high profile hustle and bustle of running a mega-church, Lakewood Church Pastor Joel Osteen and his family boarded Continental flight 1602 Monday morning at Houston's big airport. They were bound for the slopes in Colorado.
Their trip was delayed and so was the entire flight by almost two hours. Fellow passengers blame the popular Osteens, specifically Joel's wife, Victoria.
According to passenger accounts, the Osteens were sitting in first class. Soon after the plane's door was closed, the FBI says Victoria Osteen was removed following what Continental would call only a disturbance. The Osteens' spokesman confirms it involved a flight attendant, but that's all. However, one passenger tells Eyewitness News she was alerted to the front of the plane when she heard a commotion.
"She violently ran towards the cockpit, scaring everyone around her," said passenger Knicky Van Slyke. "Everyone was terrified about what was going on. And a bunch of flight attendants ran up and had to restrain her. She was banging on the door."
"Of the cockpit?" we asked.
"Yes."
Passengers say Victoria was removed first. Joel and the children followed. Meantime, everyone waited.
"They unloaded all the luggage to get their luggage and deplaned her, Joel, and the kids," said passenger Dawn Dixon.
Passenger Chad Clay said, "They kept telling us they were waiting on some passengers to find their luggage underneath in the plane, and it was going to be delayed for looking for that luggage."
According to the Transportation Security Administration, federal air marshals were never involved. Local authorities also know nothing of this event. Continental would not discuss details.
The Osteens' spokesman denies a physical altercation, denies Victoria ever banged on the cockpit door, and says she left on her own.
"The account of the event which has come to our attention is inaccurate and overblown. The misunderstanding was minor and was resolved when Victoria voluntarily removed herself from the situation," read the statement.
The FBI says it was not voluntary. Though agents are not investigating, they will review the incident as the Osteens enjoy their Colorado vacation.
The Osteens' spokesman says they took another flight to Colorado Monday.
Nobody has been charged. As for the FBI's involvement, we're told it's standard procedure for them to review all passenger removal incidents. According to Continental, this one is a closed case.
Pastor Joel Osteen preaches to an average of 40,000 people a week at Lakewood Church services. Lakewood opened in the former home of the Rockets, Compaq Center, back in July. It took $90 million and a year and a half of renovations. Osteen's ministry is taped and aired around the world.
LOL. Yes, I think you've hit the proverbial nail on the head, or coiffure, in this case. I sometimes wonder if these folk ever (literally) let their hair down?
Hmm, I don't know if they CAN. There's so much spray in there...smile.
Well, God says we prosper when our souls prosper. That doesn't only mean financially but it can mean physically, emotionally, spiritually (the best one). God gives us the ability to get wealth but that's not the only way we prosper. I don't know if this is the answer you want...
We love him too. He just blurts anything out he wants to. It's usually funny but sometimes I think Bill Gaither squirms a bit, not knowing just WHAT he's going to say.
Let me rephrase my question "How did he prosper?"
I don't mean "what prosperity has he attained?"
I mean "how did he attain it?"
I've lost the thread of this conversation. Do you mean Joel Osteen, how did HE attain it? Sorry. I'm dull today.
How quick and easy it to judge....especially by second-hand "gossip." Good thing her "making the world a better place" deeds have heavily outweighed one probably overblown incident with no lasting consequences. Let's accuse the evil of being evil and give the good among us a break. Wouldn't you want the same?
Isn't this interesting! Tell me, was she smiling like a goon when she was banging on the cockpit door? If this were anyone else would she be arrested?
Yet another one.
My, you three are echoes!
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
maybe a stint in rehab and she can call it even!
Regarding the Airplane incident with the Olsteen Family: we are all just human folks and sometimes human nature can irk us to death. What did she do that was so bad? There are worse things we could be hearing. Are we going to drag good people down into a mire just because we all are Human. This Family deserves Respect. They SERVE the poor with service to the multitudes who have needs and their Misistry supports hundreds of Missionaries around the World. Would one dare Slander them out there. Given we should all show grace and patience when dealing with customer service issues which it sounds like this was one - but there are a lot of people who can be rude out there and that will test our patience. I would be the first to stand up to protect my children against general rudeness from (some) of the public as it seems a lot of times that (some) people in service positions don’t care anymore. Its half and half - some people are caring enough to want us happy under the duration of their service while there are others who can be disrespectful. Just because a Christian Family is under the eye of the public - it does not mean that things can’t happen and you have to be strong enough to stand up for what you feel is right. I didn’t see the whole story here but to be Human is to Err and its o.k. to question a situation - the “Customer Service” element has been lost in a lot of places and only the smartest people survive in these positions over a long run - they love their jobs! especially in a busy airport. I commend the kindness I have been shown but I also can ask for a better seat without the smirk of an airline service person who laughed at me and ignored me through the flight as well as commented on my stupid question for help. I admire professionalism of one’s duty and a sense of humor to go along with it helps. Just general kindness will work. As for getting upset, it does happen. Its a shame that this family had to put up with any commotion probably caused by a service issue. I say speak out! regardless of any dissatisfaction of service, it should be addressed. It does not matter if one is famous such as the Olsteen Family or someone like me who wants service in the intention of which it is paid for. I remain Survivor of Cancer and Coma with Dignity to stand up for what is right to be treated with respect. Please, let’s only bring out the REALLY BAD THINGS we should be talking about such as child molesting or abuse. Let’s go after those nasty people. Leave the other things out such as getting upset which can be completely innocent.
I liked your Reply to the Olsteen’s - They serve the poor and help many people in their Church with Missionaries around the World. We are all Human after all and I can tell you as laid back as I am - I can get pretty upset at some of the things that happen out there today. Maybe she was protecting one of her children which all Mom’s have the right to do. I have been treated so good by a lot of people but I have also been treated badly by some also. I have journeyed through Cancer and Coma last year surviving so far! They teach positive and hopeful things with their Ministries - they serve and teach tolerance for all people along with the word of the Bible. I remain, Glenda 2Survivor
Amen to your words - Jesus wants us to prosper and by his words - the Olsteen’s give to the poor, feed the hungry, motivate us when our spirits are down and they teach tolerance to all people not just one type or color. They also support many Missionaries around the world teaching God’s word. Anyone who is a Christian knows that we are tested all the time. Yes we should be graceful and kind to others and I can only tell you that my strength has been tested many times by evil in this world. I have gone through Cancer and a Coma last year but I can also tell you that through it all I was Blessed and now I am a Survivor. Even as a Strong Christian person, I am still a human and I make mistakes. Sometimes things can happen as when someone is rude to us or say something to our children. We have a right to defend a right to have the service we pay for in any service position out there. Even as a Christian, sometimes you have to stand up for what is right. Is it because people can be Jealous of other’s being so well off? Remember, his Dad started the Ministry and one just doesn’t “fall” into a given occupation just for a job. I can only suggest that people actually listen to his ministry on TV. I go to my own Church but I listen to Joel Olsteen due his positive words.
We need to work on much worse issues to save our children from being molested and abused by what is really the evil out there. I really liked what you said. It is truth. God wants us to have a positive and good life not one of condemnation. If you look to him you will prosper. It is up to each and every one of us to decide what we are going to do about it. Thanks! Glenda Whittington Survivor2
How nice to hear from you, isurvived2. I get so tired of the people who have nothing better to do than smear a brother in the Lord. Whether we agree with him or not, he is still God’s anointed and does God’s work to the best of his ability. He has a sweet spirit and a good heart. I have never heard him begging for money and he certainly doesn’t ever sit in judgement of anyone (rare these days). It’s time to give him some slack. I praise God for YOUR testimony. Have a wonderful THANKSgiving. Love, Maryxxx
What about the person without sin, cast the first stone?
Of course Christians make mistakes, some make lots of them. No one is perfect, not even a Christian. That is why God is there to forgive us. Good thing if you are friends with HIM!
Better not to judge others because you will be judged for your sins also.
Unless you are perfect and never do anything wrong..........
Some of them look to be quite ordinary Lutheran churches, while others are lesser known German plain churches.
It's not an unknown practice!
This is reminiscent of the marketing Obama has done since his handlers went after the title of president. It’s all in the marketing of a name.
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