In the Virginia Conference, we are soon celebrating the momentous ministry of Josie Denius, and we invite you to be part of it.
Josie has served as camp manager at Camp ACCOVAC for more than 50 years. Before Camp ACCOVAC, the Virginia Conference oversaw the ministry of Camp Virginia, located near Central Advent Christian Church in Clifton Forge, VA. In 1969, the Denius family was instrumental in acquiring an old logging camp once operated by the Millboro Lumber Company. This land became the new site of the Virginia Conference’s camping ministry, and the ministry was renamed Camp ACCOVAC. While many have speculated over the years, ACCOVAC is an acronym for A Christian Camp of the Virginia Conference.
From the moment the ministry began at the new site, Josie Denius took on the role of directing and managing the camp, which eventually grew to run six back-to-back weeks of summer camp. Over the decades, many individuals and the churches of the Virginia Conference contributed to building and maintaining the facilities on the property. Through it all, Josie faithfully served as the primary camp manager and director.
The camp has always maintained a simple yet powerful mission statement: to bring young people to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and to deepen the spiritual life of those who already know him. This has been Josie’s heartbeat while serving thousands of kids who have filled the campground for the last five decades.
While Josie may ultimately be the manager and director of all things Camp ACCOVAC, her ministry has been defined by her willingness to serve in whatever role was needed for the benefit of those attending camp. She has directed weeks, led worship, taught Bible lessons, preached, kept up with maintenance, worked in the kitchen and handled practically any other responsibility that arose. In addition, Josie wove her family into the fabric of camp throughout her years of service. Her late husband, Dr. Larry Denius, served on the camp board for many years, and at one point or another, all her children and grandchildren have attended or served at camp in some capacity.
The ministry of Camp ACCOVAC has truly been the calling of Josie’s life, and we are incredibly grateful for her many years of faithful service. More importantly, thousands of students have been directly affected by Josie’s obedience to live out her calling. Many have been introduced to Christ. Many have made decisions for Christ. Many have answered calls to ministry. And many have simply felt heard and understood as they faced struggles — all a direct result of Josie’s faithfulness to serve at Camp ACCOVAC.
If you would like to express gratitude and honor Josie for her many years of service, consider making the drive through the beautiful Virginia mountains to Camp ACCOVAC on October 11 for the evening service, where we will pay tribute to a true Christian servant. To arrange lodging, email [email protected].
Messages of heartfelt appreciation or short video recordings can be sent to [email protected].
