Dickson Chilongani and his family are Tanzanian.  He, his wife Pendo and son Imani came to Trinity College, Bristol, from September 1999 to January 2004 to do a PhD. John was born after they returned to Tanzania. During their time in Bristol they worshipped at Redland Parish where Pendo also attended home groups. Dickson’s PhD was "Reading the Book of Job with an African Eye".

Following their return to Tanzania Dickson worked as Principal of Msalato Theological College where people are trained for ministry. Pendo worked for Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) as Receptionist.

After a sabbatical teaching in South Korea, Dickson is about to take up the task of General Secretary of the Anglican Church in the Province of Tanzania so the family are returning to Tanzania.