Diane and Red Joslyn frequently advocate for the needs of unsheltered neighbors.

The latest request from Diane was something we all have around our homes and might take for granted. Candles.

“Candles are the number one source of light for the homeless community,” said Joslyn. “Flashlights are great but batteries are very hard to get and don't last long.  I cannot stand the thought of not only being homeless in the cold but living in darkness as soon as the sun goes down. And of course, the sun sets so early during the MN winters.”

Yes, it’s almost summer and the days are getting longer. Which is why the Joslyn’s believe now is the perfect time to stock up on more candles with an ongoing project they called “This Little Light.”

“[We started] a new project to take old used candles and recycle them to make new pillar candles that burn for several days,” said Diane. “We make the pillar candles and [deliver them to Todd].”

Candles might seem like an inexpensive item, yet the Joslyn’s have found that since Covid, the price of candles has gone up significantly and people are not donating them.

“We started asking friends and family to save their old candles, and don’t worry about removing the wick because we melt them down and pour them into molds and add a new wick,” said Diane. “We need wax really bad because we are out.”

With the supplies depleted, the Joslyns reached out to Faith Lutheran.

“It's easy enough to bring old candles that you’d normally throw away,” said Diane. All forms of wax candles will help.

Have you bought a pillar candle that you thought smelled great when you were in the store, only to discover that the odor doesn’t fit in your house? You’ve likely set it aside or stored it for another day, but you know you’ll never light it again. Donate it!

Birthday candles on a cake that lasted 30 seconds and got discarded should get tossed in a pile to save and donate! Votive or pillar; scented or unscented; used or unused.

 “I don't know, it's just a little light, but it’s a big deal when you're sitting in the dark,” said Diane. “Red and I have the molds, wicks, pouring pans, and warm vanilla fragrance. All we need is more wax!” 

After the first ask of our congregation, the Joslyns were able to bring 117 candles to Walking with a Purpose last weekend. Feske was out of candles when Red and Diane arrived and expressed his gratitude to have more supplies to provide the neighbors he serves.

In the last month, donations have included store-bought pillar candles and enough recycled candles to make 92 new pillar candles that are 4-5 inches and can burn over 24 hours.

Faith Lutheran will continue to support this ongoing ministry project by collecting wax donations at the church office during regular business hours or through financial gifts to support This Little Light.

“We are so overwhelmed by the response,” said Diane. “God is good!”

 

Pastor John Klawiter is the senior pastor of Faith Lutheran Church, an ELCA congregation in Forest Lake. For more information, email him at