Amani School-Forward Team-2026

This team is for members of Forward Church, a key partner of Amani School since 2022.

It is intentionally designed as a vision trip (as opposed to a service team), inviting participants to “taste and see” what God is already doing through THIS AFRICAN-LED ministry. The focus is not on providing labor, but on listening, observing, praying, and learning, as a means of strengthening the long-term relationship between Forward Church and the Amani School. Through meaningful time with teachers, school leadership, and church partners, the team seeks to encourage local staff, build genuine friendships, and gain insight into both the joys and challenges of ministry. 

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Participants will participate in evangelism and discipleship efforts—such as the youth sports outreach, poultry training for farmers, and classroom devotionals—to come alongside and better understand how the gospel is lived out daily. Immersed in local culture and rhythms of life, the team will develop a deeper understanding of missions in a Muslim-context, while also gaining clarity for future partnership, prayer, and stewardship. 

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Ultimately, this vision trip aims to broaden participants’ worldview, allowing them to be encouraged and challenged and to return home as informed advocates who can share the story of God’s work at Amani with greater clarity, conviction, and faith. 

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ITINERARY

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SATURDAY NOV 2 - Travel Day 

Depart Toronto 

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SUNDAY NOV 3 - Travel Day 

Arrive in Pande region 

Evening: Settle in at accommodations 

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MONDAY NOV 3 - Pande Day 1 

Morning: School Orientation / Presentation (Sarah Isack) – water project, roof project 

Midday: Basic Swahili, Bible stories with primary & secondary kids 

Afternoon: Community visits 

Evening: Dinner in town with Sarah & Olivier, informal debrief 

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TUESDAY NOV 5 - Pande Day 2 

Morning: Devotionals with staff, then kids, guest teaching in various classes 

Afternoon: Orientation to Community Outreach/Muslim Evangelism (Olivier) 

Evening: Dinner & Debrief 

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WEDNESDAY NOV 6 - Tanga Day 3 

Morning: Activity – Amboni Caves OR Nature reserve 

Evening: Dinner with teaching & support staff 

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THURSDAY NOV 7 – Pande Day 4 

Morning: Poultry Farming - Community visits 

Afternoon: lunch with Majama & Catherine 

Evening: Dinner & Debrief 

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FRIDAY NOV 8 – Pande Day 5 

Morning: Discipleship Sessions for teachers/support staff (men and women segregated) 

Lunch: teachers/support staff 

Afternoon: Discipleship Sessions for teachers/support staff (men and women segregated) 

Evening: Meal/Communion/Worship Service in Pande (Derik preaching) 

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SUNDAY NOV 10 – Zanzibar Day 6 

Morning: Fly to Zanzibar, Slave Museum (Anglican Diocese of Zanzibar) 

Lunch: with missionary? At Ocean Grill 

Afternoon: Free choice: Nakupenda Beach Reserve OR Stone Town market 

Evening: Dinner & Debrief 

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Monday NOV 11 – Tavel Day 

Flight: to Dar Es Salaam 

Flight: Dar Es Salaam to Toronto 

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TUESDAY, NOV 12 – Travel Day 

• Arrive home 

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RESPONSIBILITIES 

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1. Logistics & Organization: Hope Story 

• Coordinate travel details incl. Budget, Applications, Orientations, etc. 

• Ensure schedules are followed and communicated clearly 

• Manage emergencies or unexpected changes calmly and wisely 

• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, safety guidelines, and local laws 

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2. Spiritual Leadership: Derik Fuller 

Lead or facilitate prayer, devotionals, and times of reflection 

• Encourage humility, teachability, and unity among team members 

• Help the team discern what God is doing in and through the experience 

• Help the team interpret what they see through a biblical and cultural lens 

• Shepherd team members through spiritual challenges, culture shock, or discouragement 

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3. Relationship Stewardship: Derik Fuller 

• Serve as the primary liaison with host missionaries or local leaders 

• Model cultural sensitivity and appropriate communication 

• Encourage curiosity and learning rather than judgment 

• Ensure the team honors local authority and leadership structures 

• Foster trust and long-term partnership between sending church and host ministry 

• Redirect attitudes or behaviors that drift toward “tourism” or a savior mindset 

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4. Vision & Purpose Alignment: Mark & Sherie Hood 

• Clearly communicate the purpose and goals of the trip 

• Reinforce expectations (e.g., observation vs. labor, partnership vs. control) 

• Keep the team aligned with the host ministry’s priorities 

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5. Processing & Reflection: Mark & Sherie Hood 

• Facilitate daily or regular debriefs 

• Help the team reflect on what they observed, learned, and felt 

• Ask good questions that lead to insight rather than quick conclusions 

• Connect experiences to Scripture, prayer, and personal calling 

• Monitor physical, emotional, and mental health of participants 

• Address conflict or interpersonal tension quickly and graciously 

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6. Team Finances: Karen Falle (with support from Mark & Sherie) 

• Track how team funds are carried, exchanged, and spent 

• Ensure cash handling is secure, discreet, and accountable 

• Prevent inappropriate giving that could undermine local leadership 

• Coordinate gifts, honorariums, or ministry support with host leaders 

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NEXT STEPS 

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• April 29 – Dessert Night at Mark & Sherie Hood’s 

• June 30 – Application Deadline 

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‍CONTACTS 

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• Tim Brown: tim.brown@hopestory.ca 

• Shayna Winn: shaywinn@gmail.com 

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