Last month, someone reported allegations of child abuse at two Iowa church camps to state authorities. On June 12 and 13, authorities issued warrants and conducted safety checks at the Kingdom Ministry of Rehabilitation and Recreation and Shekinah Glory Camp. This resulted in Child Protective Services removing 88 children from the camps.
Authorities have not yet disclosed key details in the investigation. They haven’t revealed the children’s ages, the nature of the abuse claims, or the reasons behind the search warrants. Investigators continue to examine the case.
Who is the Kingdom of Ministry
Founded in 2018 in Columbus Junction, the Kingdom of Ministry of Rehab and Recreation serves a large number of Iowa’s Christian Chin community. Their main focus is to help Chin people who are struggling with drugs and alcohol. They provide housing, food, education, and other essential services to the people they take in.
This summer marked the Ministry’s first attempt at running a camp, which was scheduled to operate from June 9- June 29. Parents gave written consent for their children to attend, and some children came from other parts of the country.
After obtaining search warrants, authorities removed 88 children from the camps and placed them in child protective custody. Most of the children have since reunited with their parents or guardians. Authorities placed the remaining children in temporary foster care until their parents were able to collect them.
Silence from the Ministry
Reports identify David Cung Nuam as the owner of both Iowa church camp properties under investigation. The Kingdom of Ministry website lists him as the Minister. So far, authorities have not made any arrests in connection with the case.
With growing concern from the public, Community members are becoming increasingly worried over David’s lack of transparency. Meanwhile, some people of the Chin community express support for the Ministry and wish for their children to return to the camp.
Where Did the Allegations Come From?
Victor Bawi, whose parents run the Ministry, said they believe the allegations originated from one teenager staying at the summer camp, who wanted to leave. These claims may have been what sparked this child custody case, but investigators have yet to verify this.
“What we try to do is, we take care of adults and children who are under the influence of drugs, alcohol, nicotine,” said Victor Bawi. “The adults and children, we take care of them, we provide food for them. The children we separate from the adults. We separate the boys and girls. We care for them, we provide for them. This summer camp was for people around the state so they can change and stop their addiction.”
Bawi denies any allegations of child abuse or endangerment. He says the camp focuses on Bible studies and keeps the younger kids engaged in sports and activities. Meanwhile, the parents of the children attending the camp denied that their children were in any harm. They said their children were having fun at the Iowa church camp and that the Ministry always looked after them.
The Brief History of Myanmar and Chin Refugees
The Country of Myanmar, previously known as Burma, has a very long and complicated past. However, in the most recent century, Myanmar achieved its independence as a democratic government in 1948. In 1962, the military overthrew the government, taking control of the country and its people. It has since been in a state of ongoing civil wars between the government and other ethnic groups, such as the Shan and Karen.
Due to conflicts, many people of Myanmar have been forced to flee their country. May chose to move to Iowa, particularly Columbus Junction, in search of employment at the Tyson Foods pork processing plant.
The Chin community has grown substantially over the last few decades, with Chin refugees leaving the Western parts of Myanmar, seeking safety and a better life. In 2013, it was estimated that around 400 Chin refugees resided in Columbus Junction and surrounding areas. Today, you can find numerous churches, a Chin grocery store, and many Chin-owned and operated businesses within the town.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Concern
The community of Columbus Junction continues to wait to see what unfolds, with many saying that unregistered religious groups need more rules and protocols, especially when dealing with a large number of vulnerable minors and tight-knit refugee communities.
Authorities continue their investigation into the allegations and are pursuing leads into the possibility of human trafficking. Meanwhile, the reputation of the ministry is uncertain, and whether they will continue to operate is yet to be confirmed.
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