They did not plan it that way; it simply happened. Two summer Bible schools each decided that the…

By Mary Zielinski (free-lance)

They did not plan it that way; it simply happened. Two summer Bible schools each decided that their mission project would be to provide help for Destiny Bell, the six-year old daughter of Nancy Bell and granddaughter of Esther Bell of Kalona.

The child contracted bacterial meningitis and was hospitalized at University Hospitals and Clinics earlier this year, eventually undergoing amputation of both legs. She also lost all but two fingers.

Both the First Baptist Church in Wellman and the Kalona United Methodist Church decided to donate their mission proceeds to provide the child with clothing and other items.

In Wellman, the Bible School, ranked the most successful in church history, raised a total of $1,555.54. After school expenses are deducted, the balance will be used for Destiny, providing her with clothing, gift certificates and other items.

At Wellman the boys and girls in the Bible school competed with each other, raising funds through a lemonade stand sales ( boys, $141.25), a car wash (girls, $160), lawn mowing (boys, $215) and seeking donations (girls, $212). The girls raised a total of $577.98 and the boys, $577.56.

There were approximately 60 students who attend the classes, representing the First Baptist, St. Joseph’s Catholic, Asbury United Methodist, Wellman Mennonite and area Mennonite churches.

At Kalona United Methodist, the entire mission collection was earmarked for Destiny, totaling approximately $700. Funds will also be distributed in goods.

Interestingly, both Bible schools had an ideal theme “A Treasure Hunt” for the week-long program. That, too, was not planned.

Both came up with a jungle backdrop, complete with a variety of “animals.” The Baptist church, though, had three live parrots who proved so “talkative” that two were sent home.

Disney World

The Make-a-Wish Foundation is sending Destiny to Disney World in Florida Friday. She will be accompanied by her mother, grandmother and a cousin, Charlee Bell.

Foundation spokeswoman Jane Toycen said Make-a-Wish learned of Destiny through a referral, the Foundation’s usual way of learning about and aiding severely ill or handicapped children.