First LDS Stake in Zambia

The Lusaka Zambia Stake was created on 15 March 2015 during a special conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA —

The Lusaka Zambia Stake was created on 15 March 2015 during a special conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Lusaka Stake, the first in Zambia, is comprised of approximately 2100 members in seven congregations within Lusaka.

During this historical event, Harrison Lumbama was sustained as the Lusaka Stake President with counsellors Blessing Mashala and Chis Chansa. President Lumbama and his wife, Maureen Kabulansando, have three children. Introduced to the Church by Dr. Patrick and Edah Chikusu, he and Maureen joined in 1997. He later served as the Munali Branch President (2000-2005) and most recently as the Lusaka District President (2009 - 2015).

First counsellor, Blessing Mashala, is married to Katoba Chishala with three children. A member for over 18 years, he served a mission in South Africa. He was the Libala Branch President and was currently serving on the Lusaka District High Council. Second counsellor, Chris Chansa and his wife, Angela, also have three children. He has been serving as the second counsellor in the Zambia Lusaka Mission and as the National Director of Public Affairs over Zambia for the Church.

Attending the conference was Dorothy Kazunga, Deputy Minister of Community Development, Mother and Child Health. Also present was Robert Sichinga, former Minister of Commerce. Following the meeting, the Deputy Minister said, 'I always thought Mormons were satanists. But after just two minutes of this conference and listening to the singing, I know that is not true. This was wonderful.'

Yatanda Chiwama from ZANIS news media shared, 'I love the humanitarian work your church is doing. I would love to do a video documentary on the Mormon Helping Hands, wheelchair projects, etc.'

Kristi Skidmore, shared her feelings following the event: 'This has been a wonderful conference, so uplifting, and the people are so happy with the new stake. I am so happy for them.' Richard Mulenga expressed his gratitude, saying, 'Now that we are a stake, we will get a patriarch, and we can all get our patriarchal blessings, which I have been waiting years to get.'

Elder Kevin Hamilton of the Africa Southeast Area Presidency and Elder Khumbulani Mdletshe, an Area Seventy, oversaw the organization of Zambia’s first stake.