Authorities Raid Iowa Church Camp Amid Human Trafficking Investigation
88 Children Removed; Camp Operators Defend Their Practices
In a significant and alarming development, local authorities in Iowa conducted a raid over the weekend at a church camp, removing 88 children who were participating in a Bible study program. The operation, part of a larger human trafficking investigation, targeted the Shekinah Glory Camp managed by the Kingdom Ministry of Rehab and Recreation in Columbus Junction.
Details of the Operation
Law enforcement officials executed search warrants at the camp and an affiliated location nearby in Fredonia. The children were relocated to the Wapello Methodist Church, where they were met by child protection workers from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Currently, these children are under the temporary custody of local agencies until arrangements can be made for their reunification with parents or guardians.
Deputies report that this operation was a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies, including the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Columbus Junction Police Department. The nature of the investigation remains confidential as the inquiry is ongoing.
Camp’s Defense
Victor Bawi, whose family operates the ministry running the camp, has publicly denied any allegations of wrongdoing. Bawi emphasized that their goal is to support both adults and children dealing with substance abuse issues. “We provide food, shelter, and care for them,” he stated, asserting that children are kept safe and separate from adults in their program.
Bawi also claimed that the situation escalated when a teenager from Texas contacted authorities expressing his desire to leave the camp. “We never harmed that child,” he insisted, recounting how they provided care and clothing, including expensive shoes.
Background Context
The Kingdom Ministry of Rehabilitation and Recreation was founded in 2018 and has since hosted a summer camp from June 8–29, attracting Christian youth from around the country. Campers engage in Bible study as well as recreational activities such as soccer and volleyball, according to Bawi.
The church is operated by two Burmese pastors, part of an ethnic minority group that has resettled in Iowa, significantly contributing to the local community. Many members of this community are refugees who fled persistent violence in Myanmar, often working in local industries like meat processing.
Continued Updates
As this investigation unfolds, the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office has not released any specific details regarding potential charges or further actions. Community residents and local agencies await clarity on the circumstances surrounding this distressing incident.
Authorities urge anyone with further information to come forward as the investigation continues to shed light on the broader implications of this case.
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