Passports, visas, interviews, oh my!
George Kioniani, treasurer of Makifu Parish A journey from a rural village in Tanzania to a suburban church in Minnesota takes a bit of planning. Shepherd of the Valley travelers made the initial invitation in July 2014, a year and a half ago. We asked George Kioniani and Rev. Paulo Massinga if they were willing to visit us in the spring of 2016. We were very glad they both said yes. George lives in the village of Tungamalenga and has a thriving farm, raising corn and rice, pigs and goats. He cares for a large family, five children of his own and three children of his deceased brother. He also serves as secretary/treasurer of Makifu Parish. In that role, he keeps parish records, tends the finances, participates in planning and carrying out parish projects. Pastor Paulo lives in Mpalapande, a Maasai village in Tungamalenga Parish. He was one of the first Maasai pastors in the Iringa Diocese, and we have seen the growth of Christianity in the villages he serve