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Tendai H Manzvanzvike-Head, Zimpapers Knowledge Centre
ZIMBABWE Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA) Forward in Faith Ministries International commemorated its 61st anniversary in May this year.
Its founder and leader, Archbishop Professor Ezekiel Handinawangu Guti, who also turned 98 that same month, is one of the most influential and respected person among “God’s Generals” in Zimbabwe.
He has always been a man of prayer whose understanding of the power of prayer has seen him lead a worldwide ministry.
The Dean of Biblical Studies at CBN University Jerry Horner says about him: “There is divine authentication of the genuineness of his ministry. Whenever I read the New Testament of authority exercised through servanthood, I think of this man and consider him to be a role model, whose example we would be safe in following.”
On August 9, President Mnangagwa conferred Archbishop Guti with the Order of the Star of Zimbabwe Gold, together with First Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa and Dr Kirsty Leigh Coventry for their service to humanity.
But, 64 years ago, before he had founded ZAOGA FIFMI, Archbishop Guti, prayed for Africa and Zimbabwe, imploring the Lord to call him to ministry so that he could go out and evangelise the Word of God to the nations; and, to confirm His power through signs, wonders and miracles.
The 1957 prayer below is in Gayle D. Erwin’s book on Archbishop Guti’s ministry titled ‘African Apostle’:
“Let my cry for the continent of Africa come before you O Lord! Incline your ear to my need and grant us your peace, O God! Surely, you will not destroy our land before you reveal yourself with great power and miracles. Will you not lighten your judgement on Africa?
“In our country, many crippled and blind have never been healed for the glory and exaltation of your name, Lord. You are my God and my Father, full of mercy and kindness; my shelter in the day of trouble. My eyes look up to you for consolation.
“In your Word, it is written that great miracles will follow those that believe in Jesus. Now, let your eyes of mercy be cast upon Africa, for no mighty miracles have ever been revealed just for the glory of your name, O Lord.
“Let your eye search out among us those who have surrendered their lives for the salvation of Africa. Is there none pleasing in your sight, O Lord, whom you can use for mighty miracles to touch the dying souls of Africa? If there are none, I plead for mercy, dear Lord.
“Lift us to the height of other countries where your mighty hand is seen healing the sick and opening the eyes of the blind. I give myself to you and ask that you use me for your great and mighty works in Africa and that you use me for your glory.
“I pray that you lighten your judgement in Africa. Surely, you will not judge us as you would other countries where your great hand has been revealed. Lord, you can see that we are of little importance. The message of salvation has not yet reached the rulers of our country. None of them have received the gift of the Holy Spirit.
“We cannot bring them the message of salvation if your mighty miracles do not follow us. O Lord, we have none in the army who are truly converted, because they see no miracles in our service to thee.
“Hear my prayer, O Lord, and have mercy on Africa. Have mercy on me. I read your precious words spoken through your servant, King David: ‘Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost part of the earth for thy possession.’
“If these are the heritage of God, where are the mighty works of my God in our country? O Lord, cast your eye of mercy upon our country, for there is not even one mountain, which can be called by your name. No holy river like the Jordan flows for us to see and give glory to our God; the tomb where they laid our Lord Jesus is too far away from us and we cannot afford to go there. Uplift your name in our country, O Lord.
“Lord, we are too far away from the Holy Land. We wish to see the Mount of Calvary. Where is it, O Lord? We want to see our Lord Jesus’ tomb, but we cannot see it, because we are too far away from Jerusalem. Reveal your greatness to us in this land through miracles.
“I, your servant Ezekiel, give my life to you that I may be called by your name. Hear my cry, O Lord, for we are too far away from the Holy Land. Give ear to my cry, O Lord. I offer my life to be used for the salvation of my brothers just as the Lord Jesus laid down his life for my sake.
“Lord, let me stand in the gap before you for my country so that you will not destroy it.
“You have said, ‘I sought for a man among them that should make up the hedge and stand in the gap before me for the land that I should not destroy it, but I found none.’
“O Lord, my God, have mercy on me. Do not destroy our country before you have shown miracles that we may believe thy Truth. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen”.
After 20 years, God has answered this prayer, and He is continuing to answer — glory be to God! Amen, Amen.
Online Reporter