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GREENSBORO, N.C. – A pastor known around the world for his positive message of hope brought that message to the Triad.

Joel Osteen, pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, America’s largest church, held his “Night of Hope” tour at the Greensboro Coliseum Friday night.

“Every day when I wake up and come to arenas and speak to my church I never dreamed I would be doing this,” said Osteen who started preaching almost 15 years ago. “There is a lot of things in life pushing people down our message is very positive and hopeful.

In addition to selling millions of books each year, he’s been named one of the most influential people in the country.

While he’s credited with leading people to Christ around the world, encouraging people to be positive and hopeful has brought him criticism.

Critics say he misses the message of salvation but criticism and praise is not something he pays attention too.

“So much turmoil is going on,” said Barbara Luffman who drove from Elkin to attending the event. “His message is just peaceful for me.”

Friday night’s event was a first for Osteen’s ministry as it was broadcasted live on his Sirius XM Channel.

“God is for you,” he said. “He’s on your side and no matter what has happened in the past, the mistakes you’ve made, the challenges you have, you can move forward.”