Image source: Screen grab from a WQAD News 8 video of a location searched during the trafficking investigation.
In a case that’s raising serious questions about oversight, child safety, and religious authority, 88 children were removed from an Iowa Bible camp following a teenage camper’s call to police.
The operation began when a 15-year-old called authorities. This launched a massive multi-agency investigation into Shekinah Glory Camp, which was being run by the Kingdom Ministry of Rehabilitation and Recreation in Columbus Junction, Iowa. The investigation into child abuse and endangerment culminated in the removal of 88 children from the premises.
From June 12 to June 13, 2025, the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, with support from the Iowa Department of Health Human Services (CPS), the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Columbus Junction Police Department, executed search warrants at two properties.
According to the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office press release, “These children were taken to the Wapello Methodist Church to meet with multiple Child Protection Workers and provided to their parents, HHS and temporary foster care to ensure the safety of all involved.”
Multiple outlets have reported that the human trafficking investigation is ongoing. No one has been arrested at this time.
Inside the Ministry That Housed 88 Children
According to KWQC reporting, the Kingdom Ministry of Rehabilitation and Recreation “is registered as a religious group with the IRS and pays no taxes.”
That status may have allowed the camp to operate with limited regulatory scrutiny, despite housing dozens of children at a time. While Iowa does require licenses for many camps, religious organizations may qualify for exemptions. That means some faith-based programs, like the one in this case, can legally operate without regular state oversight, background checks, or inspections. In many instances, authorities only step in when a report or emergency prompts an investigation.
Shekinah Glory Camp, featuring speaker Saya Rual Cung, is advertised on the Kingdom Ministry of Rehabilitation and Recreation’s website as a site of intense spiritual transformation. According to a translated version of the website, visitors are told they will “never be the same,” and that they “will see the Lord’s work.”
The emotionally charged language on the group’s website, paired with its tax-exempt status and lack of regulatory oversight, raises serious concerns about how this ministry operates and whether vulnerable children were exposed to harm under the guise of spiritual care.
“We Never Abused Anyone”: A Family Operation Under Scrutiny
Victor Bawi, the son of the couple who runs the organization, has publicly denied wrongdoing. According to KWQC, Victor said, “We never harmed that child,” referring to the teen who called the police. In an interview with WQAD News 8, Bawi expanded on the ministry’s mission, stating that the group provides care for adults and children “under the influence of drugs, alcohol, [and] nicotine.” According to Bawi, this was the first time the group hosted a summer Bible study camp. It was planned to last three weeks, but reportedly shut down after just a few days.
Bawi insisted that everyone was there with proper consent: “People that came for the summer camp, they dropped their children off. They signed the consent form. They knew about everything that was going on.” He explained that the children were having fun. “We’re innocent…We never abused anyone.” (WQAD News 8)
Their website lists the camp registration fee as $500 and mentions a 2025 goal of building a church and house for 100 people.
As of now, the investigation remains active and ongoing.
What Comes Next?
With 88 children pulled from a camp that potentially operated with little oversight, serious questions remain about how this situation developed.
The voices of children, including the 15-year-old who made the first call, deserve to be heard.
Standing with Survivors
At Andreozzi + Foote, we represent survivors of abuse by religious organizations across the country. Our team is committed to helping individuals and families navigate the emotional and legal aftermath of abuse.
We recognize how difficult it can be to come forward, particularly when the harm involves a trusted religious community. That’s why we offer a supportive, confidential environment where survivors can share their experiences and explore legal options on their terms. Whether the abuse occurred at a church, religious camp, or faith-based program, we’re here to listen and help.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
