Right now (June 21, 2026), Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana—affectionately known as the Centre de la Louisiane—is facing an unprecedented challenge. In the wake of Tropical Storm Arthur, portions of the parish have received more than 30 inches of rainfall in a 24-hour window, resulting in historic flooding across many local communities.

Because of the unfolding situation, our scheduled show looks a little different. Wilbert Carmouche, Executive Director of the Avoyelles Commission of Tourism, sent an update from the ground highlighting the true heart of the parish:

"Within hours of the flooding, neighbors were helping neighbors. Countless volunteers and organizations sprang into action, rescuing families, opening shelters, preparing meals, and doing whatever was needed to care for one another... Today that same spirit of perseverance and faith is on full display throughout Avoyelles Parish."

In honor of that exact spirit, today’s episode features a timely on-site conversation recorded at the David Haas Memorial United Methodist Church in Bunkie, Louisiana, with lifelong member Mr. William "Bill" Tebow. It is a powerful testament to what happens when a community refuses to give up.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST:

The Legacy of the Haas Family
The sanctuary carries a deep history of finding purpose within tragedy. Built in 1951–1952, the entire campus and church were funded and named by Colonel David and Montez Haas in memory of their son, who was tragically killed in a plane crash.

The 2016 Fire: Gut-Wrenching Destruction
Ten years ago, a catastrophic fire tore through the second floor of the church. Mr. Bill recalls the heartbreak of driving across the railroad tracks only to see the church he grew up in completely engulfed in flames. By the time the fire department arrived, the building was nearly lost, leaving behind nothing but the roof, the iron trusses, and the bare brick walls.

Rebuilding with Zero Debt
Though some onlookers claimed the church could never be rebuilt, the surrounding community had other ideas. Neighbors of all denominations stopped members in the local grocery stores and streets with a singular refrain: "You're going to rebuild."

Local individuals, local businesses, and neighboring congregations pitched in financially. Thanks to a successful capital campaign and massive community support, the church was completely restored—and stands today entirely free of debt.

While the building was under construction, the congregation adapted. They spent a month sharing spaces with a country church in Evergreen, Louisiana, and another 14 months holding services inside their tight, undamaged education building with a makeshift altar.

Beauty from the Ashes: The Sanctuary Today
The restoration team took the disaster as an opportunity to transform the dark, Gothic interior into a bright, light-filled, tile-floored space.

The historic stained glass window at the front of the church was entirely shattered in the fire. Determined to preserve its memory, the church commissioned a specialty stained-glass studio in Tennessee to recreate the grand Gothic arch window exactly as it was originally designed in 1951.

The True Meaning of Community
The episode explores the unique cultural fabric of Avoyelles Parish, where community identity always comes first. Whether it’s Catholic ladies bringing cakes to a Baptist bake sale, or Baptist neighbors buying fifty lunches from a Catholic fundraiser, the parish operates as one large, supportive family.

As thunder rumbled outside the sanctuary during the recording of this interview, sunlight still managed to stream through the new stained glass windows. It serves as a beautiful reminder for Avoyelles Parish today: even in the middle of a storm, the light always finds a way through.

How to Support Avoyelles Parish
Please keep the residents, first responders, and volunteers of Avoyelles Parish in your thoughts and prayers as recovery efforts begin.

To learn more about the region, stay updated on community needs, and plan your future travels to support local tourism when the area reopens, visit TravelAvoyelles.com.