Nearly 90 children were removed from Shekinah Glory Camp in southeastern Iowa Religious and placed in protective custody after reports of abuse and endangerment, the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday.
The two-day operation involved multiple agencies and targeted the Bible-based facility run by the Kingdom Ministry of Rehab and Recreation, which claims to help individuals struggling with addiction.
Authorities relocated 88 children to a nearby Methodist church, where they met with child protection workers, entered temporary foster care, or reunited with parents.
Officials have not disclosed the children’s ages, reasons for their removal, or whether arrests were made. Sheriff Brandon Marquardt declined to comment. The investigation remains ongoing, according to a social media statement from the sheriff’s office.
What is the Kingdom Ministry of Rehabilitation and Recreation?
Founded in Iowa in 2018, the Kingdom Ministry of Rehabilitation and Recreation operates with a mission to help individuals overcome addiction through faith, offering food, shelter, and spiritual support during fasting and prayer. The ministry recently hosted a summer camp from June 8 to 29 at the site where law enforcement intervened.
According to its website, the organization currently rents five mobile homes in Columbus Junction—about 60 miles south of Cedar Rapids—to house more than 60 people. It also plans to build a church and a facility to accommodate 100 individuals by 2025.
Read More: 88 children in protective custody after reports of abuse at Iowa religious camp
Family behind ministry denies allegations
The family operating the Iowa ministry and camp denies all allegations of child abuse or endangerment. “We’re innocent. They won’t find anything,” Victor Bawi, whose parents lead the ministry, told WQAD-TV. “We hope the children are safe and can return. We’ve spoken with them and their parents—they want to come back,” he added.
Bawi explained that the organization supports adults and children statewide battling drug addiction or alcoholism. He said the camp emphasizes Bible study, while offering recreational activities like soccer, volleyball, and other outdoor games.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the Iowa religious camp?
Authorities removed 88 children from Shekinah Glory Camp in Louisa County, Iowa, after receiving reports of abuse, neglect, and endangerment. The children were placed in protective custody during a two-day operation.
Who operates the camp?
The camp is run by the Kingdom Ministry of Rehabilitation and Recreation, a faith-based organization that claims to help individuals struggling with addiction through prayer, fasting, and spiritual guidance.
Why were the children taken into custody?
Officials cited allegations of physical and emotional abuse, unsafe living conditions, and potential child endangerment. Specific details about the children’s conditions or the nature of the abuse have not been publicly disclosed.
Where are the children now?
The children were taken to a nearby Methodist church, where they were assessed by child protection workers. Some were reunited with their parents, while others were placed in temporary foster care.
Have any arrests been made?
As of now, authorities have not confirmed any arrests. The investigation is ongoing, and no names of suspects or staff have been released.
What is the response from the camp’s leadership?
Victor Bawi, whose parents lead the ministry, denied all allegations and claimed the children are safe and want to return. He maintains the organization has done nothing wrong.
What does the ministry claim to do?
The Kingdom Ministry says it supports individuals recovering from addiction by providing shelter, food, and spiritual activities. It also runs summer camps focused on Bible study and outdoor games.
Is the camp licensed or regulated?
It is currently unclear whether the camp was operating under proper licensing or regulatory oversight. This aspect is part of the ongoing investigation.
Will the children be allowed to return?
That decision depends on the outcome of the investigation by Iowa’s Department of Health and Human Services and local law enforcement agencies.
What happens next?
Authorities continue to investigate the situation, and further legal or protective actions may follow based on their findings.
Conclusion
The removal of 88 children from the Iowa-based Shekinah Glory Camp has raised serious concerns about child safety, regulatory oversight, and the practices of unlicensed religious organizations. As investigations continue, authorities aim to determine the extent of the alleged abuse and ensure long-term protection for the children involved. The case highlights the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and stronger safeguards in faith-based programs serving vulnerable populations.
