Look, God is greater than we can understand … By these mighty acts he nourishes the people, giving them food in abundance”(Job 36:26, 31 NLT). These are amazing words, not only because they remind us of the generosity of God, but also because they were said by a man in the midst of personal sorrow and suffering. Job was acutely aware that he was not alone in experiencing troubles in life. He speaks of people who “exploit the unfortunate, push the helpless into the ditch, bully the weak so that they fear for their lives. The poor, like stray dogs and cats, scavenge for food in back alleys” (Job 24:4-7 The Message).

Job was a man of faith who placed his trust in God even when the evidence seemed to suggest that God no longer cared about him. Years later, God's people continue to face the challenge of reconciling their faith in a compassionate God with the suffering they see around them.

When we look at the world, we need to see the faces behind the news reports and statistics. God actively cares about all of his creation, but he chooses to work through his people who have been charged to carry out his mission of hope, healing and transformation. We are God's hands to comfort a hurting world.

Salvation Army congregations have an important role in supporting the Partners in Mission Appeal. This fundraising campaign provides the necessary money to carry out the ministry of The Salvation Army worldwide. These funds ensure that the Army continues to be a beacon of hope in countries devastated by poverty, illness and natural disasters—countries where much of the population lives on less than $2 a day.

All Salvation Army territories and commands, whether financially independent or grant aided, contribute to the International Self-Denial Appeal (which we term Partners in Mission). This serves as an example of what it means to be partners in mission and ministry,─standing shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand.

Canada and Bermuda partners with Mexico, Tanzania, Liberia, Germany, Spain, Hong Kong and Macau, and Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar. While our territory responds to needs in many other countries, we have a special responsibility to support these seven territories/commands financially and prayerfully.

The money raised during the Partners in Mission Appeal provides the essential funding needed for the ongoing ministry of the Army in each of these countries. This funding is necessary to keep the infrastructure in place so that communities can focus on specific needs and concerns, such as education, health, clean water, income generation or human-trafficking issues.

The mission of The Salvation Army worldwide can continue only with your prayerful and practical support

The support between partner territories goes both ways. While our mission partners may not be in a position to provide funding for our programs, they can teach us new and creative approaches to the common issues and problems we face. And we have their support in prayer, something of greater value than money.

In countries where life is so tenuous, prayer is not a last but a first resort. They have experienced God's faithfulness as they have learned to depend on him in the midst of desperate poverty and persecution. As they pray for us, let us be faithful in upholding them in our prayers.

Every ministry unit has received a Partners in Mission resource package to help promote this important fundraising campaign. This year the focus is on Tanzania. New features have been added to the already packed resources of videos, PowerPoint presentations and print material, including an illustrated children's story that follows the adventure of Penelope Green.

Also new this year is the offer of a fundraising tool, a sample of which is included in the package. An inspiring Tanzania–Sounds of Worship CD can be ordered by Sunday schools, youth groups and other church groups to sell to raise money towards their Partners in Mission campaign. With nothing but the beat of the drum to accompany their singing, you will be inspired by the depth of devotion of Tanzanian Salvationists, even without understanding the language.

In 2008, Salvationists across the territory responded with heartfelt generosity to the suffering of others. Thank you for your kindness and practical expression of Christian love that enabled us to be Christ's presence to those in need. The mission of The Salvation Army worldwide can continue only with your prayerful and practical support. It is a mission that continues to grow as The Salvation Army is welcomed into additional countries. We thank the Lord for these new opportunities, understanding the need to ensure that the finances are available to nurture these young churches.

Please give generously so that the territorial goal of $2.2 million will be reached.