LOUISA COUNTY, Iowa (KWQC/Gray News) – After authorities removed 88 children from a church camp in Iowa and placed them in protective custody, a church employee said the situation all started with a call to police from a 15-year-old.
On Monday, the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office said 88 children are now in protective custody after deputies conducted a child safety operation on Thursday and Friday.
EN ESPAÑOL: Rescatan a 88 niños del campamento de verano de una iglesia tras reportes de abuso infantil
The sheriff’s office said the operation took place after reports of child abuse and endangerment at the camp.
The alleged abuse happened at the Shekinah Glory Camp in Columbus Junction, Iowa. The camp is run by the Kingdom Ministry of Rehab and Recreation.
According to Victor Bawi, who is the son of a minister at the church, no camp leaders have been arrested, but police are conducting a human trafficking investigation.
Bawi said a 15-year-old from Texas called authorities because he didn’t want to be there.
Bawi said no children were ever in danger, and he denied harming anyone.
“We never harmed that child. We loved him,” he said. “We bought him like $400 shoes, clothing, everything.”
Bawi added that the camp is for Christian teenagers from all over the country.
“Of course I’m upset … hopefully this can be resolved soon,” he said.
The 88 children were shuttled away from the camp and taken to the Wapello Methodist Church to meet with child protection workers, according to deputies.
The pastor at Wapello Methodist Church told KWQC he opened the doors to the church after getting a call from the sheriff’s office about children needing a safe space.
The pastor said between 80 to 88 children were brought to the church, but many didn’t stay overnight. As of Monday, no children remained at the church.
Deputies said the children have been placed in temporary foster care until they can safely be reunited with their parents or guardians.
The investigation is ongoing, according to deputies, and further information has not yet been released.
According to their website, the Kingdom Ministry of Rehabilitation and Recreation was founded in 2018 and was running a summer camp from June 8-29.
The Kingdom Ministry of Rehabilitation and Recreation website says its mission is “Assisting individuals in breaking free from addiction through God’s Word, offering food and shelter to those in need, and supporting individuals during fasting and prayer.”
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