When Andy and Lydia Manning returned to Youngsville to plant Church Acadiana, they believed God was calling them home. What they didn’t know was how their hometown would change over the next twenty years. Today, Youngsville is one of the fastest-growing communities in Louisiana.

For two decades, Church Acadiana met in homes, schools, a movie theater, and other temporary locations. When they purchased five acres of land in 2021, the area around it was mostly undeveloped. Now, neighborhoods and young families have filled the area — yet there are still no churches nearby.

Looking back, Andy sees God’s provision clearly. “We had no idea all of this growth was coming,” he said. “But God knew.”

Church Acadiana broke ground on its first permanent home in 2025 with help from the Georgia Barnette Louisiana Missions Offering and the Mission Builder program which helps coordinate volunteer builders, contractors, and mission teams.

“It’s not just a meeting place,” Mission Builder Field Strategist, Mark Jelks, said. “It’s a center for outreach in the community.”

Church members also see opportunities around them. “There’s a lot of homes in that area with lots of little kids,” Andy explained. “We’re looking forward to reaching them for Christ.”