COLUMBUS JUNCTION (IA)
WSMV [Nashville TN]
June 16, 2025
By KWQC Staff and Emily Van de Riet
Dozens of children are now in protective custody after deputies rescued them from a church camp in Iowa, according to officials.
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.
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.
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 was not yet released.
According to their website, the Kingdom Ministry of Rehabilitation and Recreation was founded in 2018 and was running a summer camp 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.”