Moose Jaw -
Family and friends attended a candlelight vigil for Dylan Koshman at Sacred Heart school on Saturday.
Koshman, who was last seen Oct. 11 leaving his cousin's house in Edmonton, has been missing for six months.
Melanie Alix, Koshman's mother said the family was holding a prayer vigil for Koshman to spread the light of love to Koshman on his 22nd birthday.
"This isn't a memorial service. It is a vigil to reflect in silence and be a beacon love for Dylan," said Alix.
Koshman's family has held private candle vigils at its home in Moose Jaw praying for his safe return every month since his disappearance.
More than 100 people attended the vigil held Saturday as Della Ferguson from W.J. Jones & Son Family Resource Centre and Stephanie Molloy, a family friend, spoke about Koshman on behalf of the family.
"We believe the light will lead him home," said Molloy.
Everyone who attended the vigil received a candle that read: "Love, hope and prayers for Dylan's return home."
Forming a circle around a single candle Ferguson spoke to Koshman's family and friends saying the circle created solidarity and allowed everyone to open their hearts and minds with positive thoughts for Koshman.
Ferguson then asked Alix to light her candle from the candle in the centre of the circle and pass the light on both to the left and right.
As candles were lit, family and friends remained silent until Alix said a prayer for her son and asked that closure came one way or another for her and her family.
"We'll never give up hope. We have to keep the faith," said Archie Legare, a close friend of Koshman.
Alix said the community of Moose Jaw has been great to her and her family during their time in need.
"Strangers hug me once they know who I am and what I am going through. It's a community with heart," the missing man's mother said.
Colin Dewar can be reached at 691-1263.
