A spiritual leader, a nation builder

Trust Khosa

WORLD renowned cleric, Archbishop Ezekiel Handinawangu Guti, has left a legacy and footprints hard to erase.

He died on Wednesday, two months after celebrating his 100th birthday.

The celebrations caught the attention of President Mnangagwa, fellow religious leaders from across the world and millions of his members.

Guti’s birthday, which coincided with the 63rd anniversary of Zimbabwe Assemblies of God and 75 years of preaching, was our last chance to interact with him.

A devoted Christian, philanthropist, unifier, academic, family builder, fitness enthusiast and mentor all rolled into one, Guti ran his race with pride and honour.

He remains one of the pioneers of indigenous churches.

Guti will best be remembered as a true emissary of God who operated in more than 100 countries.

Back home, he touched the hearts of many through his powerful sermons and prophecies.

In the education sector, he left a distinction after setting up the Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University in Bindura.

In the health sector he played his part and constructed the state-of-the-art Mbuya Dorcas Hospital in Waterfalls, Harare.

l CALLING

Born on May 5 1923 in Chipinge, Manicaland, Guti was raised by humble parents Dorcas and Ngwanzeni.

In his early teens, he had a prophecy to serve God which he followed till death.

Through God’s grace, he would become the president and founder of the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God.

However, life was never rosy for his family as he was forced to seek employment in Mutare in his teens.

The young Guti was determined to fend for his family.

As 15, he got a revelation in a bushy area in Chipinge that he had been anointed to start God’s work.

It’s a prophecy we are celebrating today.

At the age of 18, he was already doing God’s work in some parts of Manicaland.

l SPIRITUAL GROWTH

In his early 20s, he settled in Highfield where he established himself as a preacher.

At the age of 25, he was already one of the most adored preachers who were famed for his true prophecies.

Determined to serve the Lord, he established a church in Bindura in 1960.

Back then, it was not easy to start a church during the colonial era.

At 47, he opened more branches in other parts of Zimbabwe.

l INTERNATIONAL APPEAL

He went on to set up other branches in neighbouring countries like Malawi, where he made an instant impact.

He preached in places where people needed salvation like bars and managed to win many souls to  Christ.

Later on, Guti managed to establish a number of branches countrywide.

With the assistance of his wife, Eunor Guti, he managed a number of branches in the US and other foreign countries.

Despite establishing himself well abroad, Zimbabwe remained his base and headquarters.

He is believed to have made several prophecies, including the 1992 drought.

After the 1992 drought, Guti empowered members of his flock through various projects.

He also opened a number of bible schools as he was determined to produce more preachers in his church.

l NATION BUILDING

Guti’s milestones were celebrated at his church’s 50th anniversary in 2010 at the National Sports Stadium.

He also celebrated some of his milestones as a preacher after penetrating more than 100 nations.

To ensure that he plays his part in educating the nation, he established the Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University.

May his soul continue to rest in eternal peace.