A crowd of 300 people stood vigil, holding waxen beacons of light, on Wednesday evening at Creekside Church in Martinez and listened to a prayer that Ryan Menjivar knows that he is cared for.
Youth Minister Christopher Stites also prayed to give strength to the Menjivar family, who were sitting in the front row at the church.
Menjivar, an 18-year-old senior at Alhambra High, was reported missing on Feb. 26. He has been the subject of a search by Martinez police, family members and friends. Police have said indications are that Menjivar is a voluntary missing adult.
"Whatever you're going through, we want you here at home — whatever you're going through," brother Mark Menjivar said from the altar.
Menjiver is a water polo player who has a job as a ticket taker at the theaters in Walnut Creek. He looks mature in his ticket taker uniform, said Alhambra algebra teacher Carol Miller.
"He is always very cheerful," said Alhambra friend Simeon Clapridge.
Guitarist-vocalist Ian Bender led the crowd in singing Amazing Grace.
