The Johnny Holm Band will be back this summer to perform again at the 2022 Manna for Malawi
benefit fund raiser on Sunday, August 14th. The event will be at the Bridge Tavern north of Crosby,
building a “bridge” of help and hope to the people of Malawi. The Holm band has been attracting
Minnesota and nationwide audiences for nearly 40 years. Holm began his musical journey just down
the road in Brainerd where he went to high school.
Manna for Malawi 2022 runs from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. In addition to music, those who attend can eat
pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw and chips while they’re checking out the raffle ticket and silent auction
items. Charge for the event is a free will offering and there’s plenty of free parking on site and across the highway.
Pastor Paul Mattson said, “my heart was touched when I saw first hand what Manna for Malawi has
done and continues to do, helping to feed and educate the orphans.” Malawi is in southeastern Africa,
one of the poorest nations in the world. Average income is less than $2 a day.
“When we were invited to help the mission 14 years ago, volunteers fed nearly four
hundred children, once a week. Currently, feeding takes place six days a week and up to a thousand
African orphans get their only meal of the day,” Mattson added.
Last year’s event with band and food raised more than $42,000 to help feed and educate orphans. Money raised this year will go for the
feeding program, farm equipment, and education for orphan children. The Malawi government doesn’t
pay for universal education for its young people past 8th grade. Money from the fundraiser last year
sent students to high school and college. The mission is also working to build a safe space for Malawi
girls to protect them from forced marriages.