Deputies in Iowa carried out a raid on a church and rescued 88 children who were participating in a Bible study camp as part of a broader human trafficking investigation. The children were removed from the Shekinah Glory Camp, which is run by Kingdom Ministry of Rehab and Recreation, and are now under the protective custody of local agencies. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has placed the children in temporary foster care until they can be reunited with their parents or guardians.
The Kingdom Ministry of Rehabilitation and Recreation, which was established in 2018, was hosting the summer camp from June 8-29. The family behind the ministry denied the allegations, stating that they provide care for adults and children who are struggling with substance abuse. Victor Bawi, whose parents run the ministry, emphasized that they separate the children from the adults and provide them with food and care.
Despite the denials, a teen from Texas contacted authorities because he did not want to attend the camp. Bawi insisted that no children were in danger or harmed during their time at the camp. He mentioned that Christian teenagers from various parts of the country attend the camp and engage in activities like volleyball, soccer, and outdoor games.
The raid involved search warrants being executed at multiple locations, including the camp in Columbus Junction and another site in Fredonia where the church assists people in finding housing. The operation was carried out in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, and the investigation is ongoing.
The church is led by two pastors from Burma who are members of the Chin ethnic minority. Iowa has a significant Burmese population, with many refugees working in the Tyson’s Food Inc. meat packing plant in the area. The plant, which is responsible for a significant portion of the nation’s hog slaughter, employs translators to assist the refugees.
It is worth noting that Burma, also known as Myanmar, was added to the list of countries banned for entry to the US by the State Department on June 16. The investigation into the church and the rescue of the children shed light on the challenges faced by refugees and immigrants in the region.
