88 Children Taken into Custody Following Child Abuse Reports in Iowa

COLUMBUS JUNCTION, Iowa — Authorities removed 88 children from a southeast Iowa church camp last week following reports of child abuse and endangerment. The Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, alongside several agencies, conducted the operation on June 12 and 13.

The children were attending the Shekinah Glory Camp, operated by the Kingdom Ministry of Rehabilitation and Recreation. Officials executed search warrants at locations in Columbus Junction and Fredonia, which are owned by David Cung Nuam, a minister associated with the camp.

The camp, which was scheduled from June 8 to June 29, aimed to provide spiritual and emotional support to attendees. After their removal, the children were transported to the Wapello Methodist Church to meet with child protection workers.

According to reports, the removal of the children involved collaboration with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Columbus Junction Police Department. Many local volunteers, as well as the Wapello Community School and Food Pantry, assisted in the operation.

The children were either released to their parents or placed in temporary foster care following the meeting with child protection workers. The investigation into the reports of abuse is ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this time.

The Kingdom Ministry’s website highlights their focus on helping individuals overcome addiction, but the recent events have raised significant concerns regarding the safety of the children involved. The public is urged to stay informed as updates become available.