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Dr Jabulani Garwi
On 5 July 2023, the world mourned the loss of an extraordinary spiritual leader and visionary, Archbishop Professor Ezekiel Handinawangu Guti.
As a devoted member of Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA), also known as Forward In Faith Ministries International (FIFMI) worldwide, I bear witness to the profound impact Archbishop Guti had on both the church and the nation as a whole.
During my formative years in the early 1990s, I had the privilege of being a part of ZAOGA FIF, and I continue to serve in various leadership positions at district and provincial levels within the church.
This has allowed me to experience first hand the transformative teachings of Archbishop Guti.
He instilled in us a deep commitment to pursue spiritual growth, material well-being, and academic excellence.
One of his famous sayings was: “If you don’t want to learn, die,” emphasised the significance of education and personal development.
Archbishop Guti advocated for education for all, including pastors, understanding that spiritual strength should not come at the expense of intellectual growth.
His life exemplified the belief that one could achieve academic and material success while remaining steadfast in their faith.
Under Archbishop Guti’s visionary leadership, individuals from diverse backgrounds experienced upliftment and empowerment.
His teachings and guidance inspired both the educated and the uneducated within our church community.
Many members who may not have excelled academically discovered their inherent talents and skills, which they then harnessed to achieve remarkable success in various entrepreneurial endeavours.
A remarkable aspect of Archbishop Guti’s leadership was his humility.
Despite founding and leading a vast global ministry, he willingly shared the pulpit with church leaders, including elders and deacons, particularly at leadership conferences famously known as Deeper Life conferences in ZAOGA FIF, embodying the essence of true leadership as one of service and mentorship.
I distinctly remember the day I had the honour of preaching in his presence, and he listened attentively, reinforcing his commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and being a fatherly figure to all.
Archbishop Guti’s dedication to the nation was evident in his unwavering commitment to self-reliance and national development.
In 1971, he chose to return to Zimbabwe after studying in the United States, rejecting the allure of wealth abroad and instead focusing on harnessing domestic resources and hard work to foster prosperity.
His teachings inspired countless individuals to become successful entrepreneurs without relying on external aid.
Throughout his life, Archbishop Guti demonstrated unparalleled obedience to national leadership.
He never promoted discord or encouraged resistance against the government but rather urged Christians to pray for government authorities, aligning with the principles in 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
During national events, he either attended or sent representatives, seamlessly combining his spiritual and national responsibilities.
In addition to his contributions to the Christian community, Archbishop Guti played a pivotal role in national development, particularly in education and healthcare. He spearheaded the establishment of numerous schools, colleges, a university, and a hospital, significantly impacting the social fabric of the nation.
Through this contribution, Archbishop Guti taught us that being a Christian extends beyond the prayer room and the pulpit. It entails actively contributing to the betterment of society, fostering patriotism, and cultivating love for one’s country.
His teachings inspired us to be strong Christians while actively participating in the development of our nation.
As we bid farewell to Archbishop Professor Ezekiel Handinawangu Guti, we recognise the indelible void he leaves in the spiritual landscape of Zimbabwe and the world.
His commitment to holistic leadership, self-reliance, and national development will continue to inspire generations to come.
Let us honour his memory by embodying the values he stood for and dedicating ourselves to building a better, more prosperous nation through our faith and dedication.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Online Reporter