I love candles. They are so beneficial. In the home, lit candles on the dinner table, or special scented candles strategically placed in the living room can easily set the mood. In the past, candles were used during a blackout. In the wilderness, candles are essential, especially during the winter months. I always keep a candle in my survival kit, which is used for light and heat in a snow cave or yurt. To the church, candles are lit for specific prayers, during special church services, an afterglow or a candlelight vigil.

A candlelight vigil, typically in an outdoor setting, is held for somber reasons like a death or a specific cause. In this case, the Feeding the 5,000 candlelight vigil, presented by the Portneuf Valley Interfaith Fellowship, is targeting a cause in the name of hunger, but will be held in an indoor setting. This year’s candlelight vigil is being held at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 253 Valleyview Drive on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

The Feeding the 5,000 candlelight vigil is held for a cause — to reach and provide for the hungry. The hungry come in many sizes, from infants to the elderly. Volunteers of many entities have the same cause: to provide. Although volunteering can be exhaustive, it is quite rewarding.

Many of us have never experienced hunger. Yes, we may have tried dieting or fasted a period of time for medical or spiritual reasons, but when we are hungry, we reach for something to eat. Yet, what if you didn’t have the resources to reach for something to eat? What if you were the child within a family that was limited on food resources?

World Vision challenges their fundraisers to a 30-hour fast. Likewise, take the challenge, experience hunger. If you are interested and in good health, starting Friday at 1:30 p.m., avoid eating food until Saturday evening’s program.

The public is invited, yet seating is limited; thus, for a reservation, please RSVP to 208-234-0197 and select Option 2. The evening program will include a light supper.

A freewill offering will be taken during the candlelight vigil to assist with the Idaho Foodbank’s cause. If you can, please bring one canned good item with you to be included in the food collection.

Blessed are those who stand for a cause, for they shall be fulfilled.

Mike Dingman is a member of the Pocatello Seventh-day Adventist Church serving in the capacity of Community Outreach and Community Service. He also serves with the Portneuf Valley Interfaith Fellowship within Pocatello.