Online Reporter
Elder Nicholas Bhero
A deep ache resonates within millions today, a bittersweet symphony playing on what should have been Archbishop Ezekiel Guti’s 103rd birthday.
Instead of joyous celebration, a tender remembrance fills our hearts for a life that pulsed with an unshakeable faith, an immeasurable love, and a fierce devotion to the divine calling.
Born not amidst towering cityscapes, but cradled in the quiet, earthy embrace of Zimbabwe’s remote bushlands, Ezekiel Guti’s story unfurled like a delicate tapestry woven with threads of hardship and heavenly grace.
Untouched by formal schooling, his young life took an unforeseen, profound turn after a simple yet earth-shattering conversation with his mother about the very real concept of hell.
A deep disquiet stirred within him, a powerful yearning for something beyond the tangible, propelling him into the solitary embrace of the bush, seeking answers directly from the Creator’s heart.
And there, in the sacred hush of that wilderness, a divine encounter bloomed. Celestial melodies filled the air, an angelic presence enveloped him in its gentle embrace, and a powerful whisper echoed into the depths of his soul: “Fear Not. Sin Not.”
These unassuming yet profound words became the unwavering compass guiding his extraordinary life’s journey.
Ezekiel Guti’s path was no gentle stroll through a rose garden. It was a relentless, uphill climb of faith, punctuated by periods of intense prayer that left him weak with fasting, even moments where hunger gnawed relentlessly at his stomach.
He planted the seeds of his ministry amidst the turbulent storm of British colonialism, his conviction a fragile yet fiercely burning ember that refused to be extinguished by the winds of oppression.
But from those humble embers erupted a glorious, all-consuming fire. Through his divinely inspired ministry, the sick found miraculous healing, the impoverished were lifted onto their feet, and the extraordinary became commonplace.
He spoke with an undeniable authority, a resonance born not of earthly power but of an unwavering connection to the Kingdom of God.
His fervent preaching transcended geographical boundaries, scattering the seeds of faith in over 160 nations, leaving behind a vibrant legacy of over 10 000 pastors nurtured under the warmth of his spiritual guidance.
Material wealth held no allure for this man of God. When an American benefactor, captivated by his work, offered him fleets of buses in exchange for mere affiliation, Ezekiel, his spirit attuned to a higher frequency, gently declined.
His ministry was built on the bedrock of unwavering faith, not the shifting sands of worldly promises.
He was a prolific writer, his words a soothing balm for the wounded spirit, a guiding star for those lost in darkness.
Over 100 books flowed effortlessly from his pen, each page a testament to his deep-seated desire to uplift, to empower, to illuminate the path for others.
Recognising the intricate tapestry of human needs within his congregation, he established a multitude of ministries, a powerful demonstration of his practical wisdom and profound compassion.
He was, in the truest sense, a man whose heart beat in rhythm with the divine. His love knew no bounds, radiating a warmth that embraced all, an acceptance that dissolved judgment.
In his presence, only the gentle embrace of a father figure existed, a hand extended in unconditional love and profound understanding.
After a glorious century spent tirelessly proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, his earthly journey gently concluded on July 5th, 2023. He returned to the loving embrace of his beloved Jesus, the very one he had served with unwavering devotion for 75 remarkable years.
But his legacy, far from fading into the mists of time, continues to shine brightly, illuminating the world he touched so deeply.
He was a true philanthropist, a humanitarian whose love manifested in the tangible form of hospitals that healed, universities that educated, schools that nurtured young minds, and orphanages that offered solace and hope. He was a statesman of faith, a unifying force who drew people together under the banner of love and the unwavering grace of God.
Today, our hearts swell with a profound mixture of love and loss as we remember this extraordinary man. We lift our voices in heartfelt gratitude for his unwavering service, his boundless compassion, and the indelible mark he etched upon the world.
His spirit lives on in the hearts of millions, a vibrant testament to a life lived with unwavering purpose, fuelled by an unshakeable faith, and overflowing with a love that knew no limits.
For me, the memories of my personal encounters with Archbishop Guti are treasures I hold close to my heart.
The sheer joy that flooded me when I finally met him was so overwhelming that I even forgot to wash my hands afterwards, a small detail that now brings a fond smile to my face.
When I asked him to write a foreword for my book, his immediate agreement filled me with such profound gratitude; his touch of approval was a validation that meant the world.
Even more deeply etched in my memory is the time I fell gravely ill and found myself hospitalised. A simple phone call, his voice filled with heartfelt prayer, and I was miraculously discharged that very day. His faith had a tangible, undeniable impact on my life.
Later, when I embarked on my borehole drilling venture, I felt an unshakeable prompting to offer my services at his residence, a place often plagued by water scarcity. With a quiet confidence that spoke volumes, Archbishop Guti simply stated, “Don’t worry, you will find plenty of water.”
And true to his word, at a mere 20 meters, we struck a gushing spring. Following this, he extended a warm invitation to me and my family to his home, where he showered us with his blessings, a moment we hold sacred.
We will forever remain eternally grateful to God for the precious gift of interacting with this incredible man, Archbishop Ezekiel H Guti, a true testament to the power of faith and love.
Peter Tanyanyiwa