NEW IBERIA, La. (KLFY) -- A New Iberia family lost everything over the weekend, when a fire destroyed the home of Albert Ledet. He said his family will have to start completely over.

Ledet said he was asleep in his recliner Saturday night, when his son woke him up as flames consumed the home.

Ledet says they immediately got out of the house. However, his wife, who has several disabilities, was unable to get out on her own, and had to be rescued through a side window.

"We went to the side to help me for my wife up through the window, we had to knock out the air conditioner," Ledet said.

Ledet, a military veteran who says he's not easily afraid, was scared in that moment. Not only for himself but also his wife.

"Getting my wife out, fear and my wife were the only things I could think of," he said.

Pastor Donald Wright of Star Pilgrim Baptist Church sasaid when he got to their home, Ledet was "standing in front crying" and told him "we lost everything, but thank God we got my wife out."

Wright says he's in awe of the high spirits Ledet shows after losing everything. The day after the fire Ledet, who serves as an usher at the church, showed up still wanting to serve.

Wright said he and the congregation have funded the Ledet's stay at a hotel "until they find sufficient housing or somewhere to permanently live."

Looking at what's left of the outside of his house, Ledet said he he feels blessed because he was able to get his family out and that "possessions can be replaced, but lives cannot."

Although Ledet's church is assisting with a temporary place to stay, they are still in need of essential items. Anyone intersted helping out the Ledets can reach out to Star Pilgrim Baptist Church at (337) 364-7419.

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