New Youth Ministry launches in Deville to mentor young men

By Amy Ducote

A powerful new faith-based initiative is coming to Central Louisiana, aimed at filling a critical gap for young men growing up in single-parent households.

Joshua “Josh” Brevelle has announced the launch of the Deville chapter of Truth in Nature (TIN), a national outdoor ministry dedicated to reaching fatherless boys ages 11 to 18 through Christ-centered mentoring.

For Brevelle, this new venture is an extension of a life already deeply rooted in faith and community leadership. In addition to his new role as program director for the ministry, he serves as pastor of Refuge Baptist Church, located at 505 Hwy. 1 in Marksville. Alongside his wife, Tori Brevelle, he balances his pastoral duties and community youth outreach while raising his family in the Deville area.

Brevelle said his family’s experience taking in twin boys inspired him to become involved with Truth in Nature and provide father figures for other young men.

“Last year we were asked to take in a set of four week old twins. Originally I said no because we already had three kids and were in the process of moving. God worked me over and really started knocking on my heart’s door. I finally gave in and said yes, the same day as well, and I can tell you they were the much needed miracle that my family never expected to get. They have been a blessing. And we are adopting them. They are a little over a year old now and they have us wrapped around their tiny hands for sure.”

“The reason I chose to open the chapter with TIN is because I could have easily been the reason those two boys grew up without a father and I wanted to help others at least have a father figure to guide them. I love the outdoors and have a lot to share about it. That’s my way of giving back to others and doing ministry at the same time.”

“I hope that God works in the lives of these young men, their families and whoever else that He has planned to reach through this outdoor ministry. Thank you to everyone for the wonderful support you have giving us already. We could not do this without each and every one of you. By the grace of God we will have a fruitful outcome. God bless.”

Local residents are already rallying behind the couple’s efforts, with community member Kristi Lee calling the initiative “such a good thing and an inspiration to the little fellows.”

Mentorship in the great outdoors

Truth in Nature was founded nationally in 2009 by Jeff and Carrie Davis, who both experienced the pain of broken and single-parent homes in their youth. The ministry’s core mission is to help boys understand their purpose as Christian men and break the fatherless cycle by pairing them with godly mentors.

As program director, Brevelle will combine his pastoral heart with his passion for the outdoors, taking young men away from phones, electronics and daily pressures to enjoy God’s creation. Every dollar raised by the Deville chapter will go directly toward taking the boys into the outdoors.

The chapter has already established its foundational 2026 schedule of weekend activities:

• August 29: Fishing Trip
• September 26: Firearm Safety Course
• October 17: Squirrel Hunting
• November 14: Duck Hunting
• December 19: End-of-Year Banquet

A high standard for safety

Because the ministry works with youth in the woods and on the water, Brevelle emphasized that safety is the chapter’s top priority.

All mentors and volunteers are heavily vetted to ensure they are spiritually and relationally sound. Volunteers must complete a mentor application, pass a comprehensive criminal background check and undergo Ministry Safe abuse recognition training.

Safety procedures are reviewed before every field, water or range day.

How to get involved

The Brevelles are actively reaching out to the Central Louisiana community to build a strong network of support before the programs launch. They are looking to partner with local sponsors, businesses, and churches to fund the trips, as well as Christian men willing to step up as mentors.

• To enroll a son: Parents or guardians must complete a New Participant Application. To get the required secure password for the forms, contact Joshua directly.
• To Volunteer or Sponsor: Interested mentors, land-owners, or business sponsors can contact Program Director Josh Brevelle by phone at 318-717-6179 or via email at josh.brevelle@truthinnature.org.
• Donations: Financial support can be given online at truthinnature.org (select the Deville chapter) or mailed via physical check to 1828 Hwy 115, Deville, LA 71328.