- Joel Osteen’s Church A plumber found approximately 500 envelopes of cash and checks behind a toilet at Lakewood Church.
- The discovery is linked to a $600,000 theft from the church in 2014.
- Justin Cauley, the plumber, reported the find and received a $20,000 reward for his honesty.
- The incident has reignited public interest in the original theft and its unresolved aspects.
In a surprising twist of fate, a plumber conducting routine repairs at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church stumbled upon a hidden treasure: hundreds of envelopes filled with cash and checks tucked away behind a loose toilet. This unexpected discovery has not only captured the attention of the public but also reignited discussions surrounding a notorious theft that occurred nearly a decade ago.
Wiki and Bio Details
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Joel Osteen |
| Occupation | Televangelist, Author |
| Church | Lakewood Church |
| Founded | 1959 (as Lakewood Church) |
| Location | Houston, Texas |
| Notable Incident | $600,000 theft in March 2014 |
| Recent Discovery | Cash and checks found by a plumber in November 2021 |
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Background
Joel Osteen, a prominent televangelist and the senior pastor of Lakewood Church, has garnered a massive following through his uplifting messages and charismatic preaching style. Lakewood Church, located in Houston, Texas, is one of the largest congregations in the United States, drawing thousands to its services each week. However, the church’s reputation faced a significant challenge in March 2014 when approximately $600,000 in cash and checks was stolen from its safe. This incident shocked the congregation and raised questions about security and accountability within the church.
The Discovery
On November 10, 2021, while repairing a loose toilet, the plumber, identified as Justin Cauley, made an astonishing find. As he removed tiles and insulation, around 500 envelopes fell from the wall, revealing a substantial amount of cash and checks. Cauley recounted his disbelief during a radio interview, stating, “I was like ‘Oh wow.’” Recognizing the importance of his discovery, he promptly contacted the church’s maintenance supervisor and turned over the money. While the exact amount found is still unknown, the discovery is believed to be linked to the 2014 theft, raising intriguing questions about how the money ended up hidden in the church’s walls.
Reactions and Implications
The revelation of this hidden cache has sparked widespread media coverage and public intrigue. Many are left wondering about the circumstances surrounding the original theft. George Lindsey, a radio host, expressed his astonishment, questioning why the thieves never returned for the money. The church confirmed that the funds discovered were indeed turned over to them, and Houston police are continuing their investigation into the 2014 incident. This unexpected turn of events has not only brought closure to an unresolved crime but also highlighted the ongoing challenges of maintaining security in large organizations.
The Plumber’s Reward
In recognition of his honesty and integrity, Justin Cauley was awarded a $20,000 gift by Crime Stoppers of Houston. This reward serves as a testament to the importance of ethical behavior and community involvement, encouraging others to follow in his footsteps when faced with similar situations.
FAQs
Q: What was found behind the toilet at Lakewood Church?
A: A plumber discovered around 500 envelopes containing cash and checks.
Q: How is this discovery connected to the 2014 theft?
A: The money found is believed to be related to the $600,000 that was stolen from the church’s safe in 2014.
Q: What reward did the plumber receive?
A: The plumber, Justin Cauley, received a $20,000 reward from Crime Stoppers of Houston.
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Last Updated on September 10, 2024 by 247 News Around The World
