FROM STAFF REPORTS

HELENA – A group of young adults is making a global impact by organizing the first “Helena and Beyond” Music Festival. This festival will feature artists such at Michael Warren, Ryan Kinder Band and more. All donations and proceeds from this festival will be used to help the children of Bulgaria.

Ben Nelson, a modern worship leader in Helena, went to Bulgaria last year with his wife, Cassidy, and his band. What they saw and learned in Bulgaria has left a lasting impression and they want to do more to help.

This year Ben and Cassidy, along with Helena United Methodist Church, MissioNail and Care 4 All ministries will be organizing two groups and heading to Bulgaria to sing, work, learn and play within the Gypsy villages.

“Our desire as a team is to go and do something with the blessing we are given,” Ben Cassidy said. “To have a willingness to take care of the needs of others with our love, time, money, gifts, and resources.

“God has called us to care for the least of these, and we are doing just that. Whether it be in our city, state, country or across the globe,” he added.

One way to help support the teams efforts is by getting involved at the “Helena And Beyond” Music Festival. The Festival will be held at the Helena Amphitheater on Saturday April 30 from 2-7 p.m. The event will feature live music, a KidsZone, vendors, food and more. For more info on the festival, visit HelenaAndBeyond.com or MissionBulgaria2011.com.

For more information, contact Cassidy Harrison at 276-9815 or email Cassidy.marie@yahoo.com, or call Ben Nelson at 267-7159 or email bnelson@helenaumc.org.