He and his wife Phyllis had four children, and have incorporated his late brother's child into their own family. In 2006 one of their sons died in a tragic car accident, and Josiah had the excruciating experience of holding him when he passed to Glory.
Josiah Tanaya lives in the city of Gweru, which is in the centre of Zimbabwe. It is the coldest city in the nation, and has a mild temperature even in the height of summer. There are not many wild animals around the city, but visitors can see them in a National Park which is some distance away.
Prior to taking up his current appointment in 2007, he was the pastor of the Baptist Church of Benuke, which is one of the largest congregations in Zimbabwe, comprising 500 members and many adherents. It was a growing church with a great choir, which, like those heard at the Baptist World Congress were very entertaining in their praising the Lord with music enjoyed by all the conference participants.
In his role as the General Secretary of the Baptist Convention of Zimbabwe he co-ordinates the various national ministries, which include the Zimbabwe Baptist Men's and Women's Fellowships, The Youth development ministry, the Mission Department, the Seminary (Theological training college), the Baptist Hospital and a Conference Centre.
One area of ministry that gives Josiah Tanaya much pleasure and fulfilment is that of training lay people in leadership so that they can effectively carry out Sunday School work, teaching, youth work and sound governance.
This interview with Josiah Tanaya can be viewed on the Australian Missionary News IPTV at either tv.bushorchestra.com/BWC/videopages/josiah_tanyara.html or www.safeworlds.net