A few years ago, my wife, Rochelle, and I were living in Harare, Zimbabwe. I served as the literary secretary and Rochelle was the HIV-AIDS co-ordinator for the Zimbabwe Territory. For years we had contributed to the Army's Partners in Mission Campaign (formerly known as self-denial); now we were seeing firsthand how the money was used to support other territories.

During the two years we lived in Zimbabwe, the country faced considerable economic and political challenges. While we certainly never suffered, we were not immune to the ongoing shortages of food, medical supplies, water and electricity. More significantly, we lived alongside Zimbabweans who faced these challenges without the access we had to extra income or resources.

Tawanda was one of my favourite people in Zimbabwe. Although only four, he would often show up at our home to visit. As he only spoke Shona, spending time with him helped me to learn the language as we worked in the garden together or watched movies on my laptop. Tawanda means “we are many” in Shona, signifying that he was the fifth and youngest child in his family.

Soon after we arrived in Zimbabwe, Tawanda's family invited us to have a meal with them. While the cow intestines were a bit of a departure from our usual dinner fare, we appreciated the opportunity to share in fellowship with them. Over the next two years, we developed a close relationship with this family.

Just over two years later, when Rochelle was five months pregnant with our son, Kieran, The Salvation Army in Canada became concerned about our safety and suggested we return home. It was not easy to leave our Zimbabwean friends, particularly as it was a difficult time in the country. A few months later, Rochelle and Kieran required emergency medical attention during the delivery, so I'm grateful that we had returned to Canada and had access to exceptional health care. Kieran's middle name is Tinashe, which means “God is with us” in Shona.

Last year, during Holy Week in a rural community in Zimbabwe, Tawanda woke up with stomach pains. Without easy access to qualified medical professionals—nor the means to pay for it—Tawanda's family could do little for him. A few hours later, he passed away. In just a few short years, Tawanda had brought so much joy to his family and friends. For those of us who knew and loved him, we felt an immediate emptiness in our hearts. A void not easily filled or understood.

While I cherish the health benefits my family can access here in Canada, I'm saddened that there are so many children in the world like Tawanda who die young, often for lack of access to basic medical attention or the resources to pay for it.

The needs of the world are overwhelming, but we are not alone. Through the Partners in Mission Campaign, we can help ensure that The Salvation Army has the resources available to support the development of communities around the world. Now at work in 123 countries, the Army is poised to make a positive impact in those areas hardest hit by poverty.

Tawanda. We are many.

John McAlister is senior editor for The Salvation Army's Editorial Department.