Church History Snapshot: Doctor Patrick Chikusu from Zambia

Dr. Patrick Chikusu was best known in Zambia for his professional role as the deputy minister of health. But Dr. Chikusu and his wife, Edah, were also faithful members of the Church.

Patrick and Edah Chikusu, from Northern Rhodesia (which, since 1964 has been known as Zambia), were married in 1975 and introduced to the gospel while living in England where Patrick was working towards his PhD. Baptized in 1995, they were sealed in the Johannesburg South Africa Temple in 1996. A pharmacist by profession, Brother Chikusu was a consultant to the Worldwide Health Organization prior to entering politics.

In 2001, he wanted to run for Parliament in Zambia and went to the temple to ask the Lord. The answer was a clear “no”. But he stood for election anyway—and lost. Later he went to the Lord again and was told, “Not yet.” Then in 2011 he went to the temple in prayer about seeking government office. This time the Lord answered, “Go ahead.”

Following his election to Parliament in 2011, Dr. Patrick Chikusu served as Zambia’s deputy minister of health until his death in 2013. His ethics and high standards made an immediate impact in the government. For example, he returned any unused money after completing travel assignments. He requested women working in his office wear modest, professional office attire. He soon noticed women in the other offices in the ministry had adopted similar dress standards. Sister Chikusu said people appreciated her husband’s honesty and good example.

Brother and Sister Chikusu also shared the gospel with their friends. Their missionary efforts introduced Harrison and Maureen Lumbama to the Church. Brother Lumbama was later called as the first stake president in the country.

A state funeral was held in Brother Chikusu’s honour on 7 Dec. 2013. Government spokesperson Mwansa Kapeya commented that the friendly and peaceful manner in which members of various political parties sang and mingled during the service was symbolic of Zambia’s desire to be an oasis of peace, unity and stability.