Church leaders mourn Apostle Guti

ZIMBABWE Assemblies of God Africa (Zaoga) Forward in Faith founder Archbishop Professor Ezekiel Guti (100) who died on Wednesday, was described as dedicated and humble man of God who was instrumental in pioneering indigenous Pentecostal evangelism in the country and uplifted lives in communities.

Prof Guti celebrated his 100th birthday in May, with President Mnangagwa and leaders of other Christian denominations praising him for being one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated pioneers of indigenous Pentecostal churches.

He was born on May 5, 1923, in Chipinge, Manicaland Province.

His birthday celebrations coincided with the church’s 63rd anniversary. During Prof Guti’s 100th birthday celebrations, 100 balloons were tossed in the air as congregants whistled, ululated and danced in honour.

Church leaders from various denominations spoke highly of Prof Guti, describing him as an honest and dedicated servant of God who lived a humble and transparent life.

He was also regarded as a “General in the faith” whose life was well lived and worth emulating.

Executive director of Zimbabwe Christian Alliance, Reverend Useni Sibanda said Prof Guti will be remembered for his work in pioneering churches by indigenous people.

“Prof Guti was one of the pioneers in planting and building churches in Zimbabwe and globally. He is one of the black church leaders who were instrumental in establishing churches using local resources as opposed to donations from overseas and missionaries,” he said.

“He was one of the few Pentecostal church leaders to start building community facilities such as schools, clinics and universities using local resources. We remember him for creating a model of building churches using local resources and local people and training them.”

Rev Sibanda said Prof Guti defined an era in Zimbabwe’s Christianity by introducing an entrepreneurial policy for women.

“As Zimbabwe Christian Alliance, while we are saddened by the death of Apostle Guti, we also celebrate his life and legacy,” he said.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ) western region diocese leader Bishop Michael Dube said Prof Guti was at the forefront of winning souls for Christ and will be remembered for his great works.

“We had a session as Zimbabwe Council of Churches today (yesterday) to pray for the nation during which we also took an opportunity to observe a minute of silence in honour of Prof Guti. He was one of the founding leaders of churches in Zimbabwe and beyond,” he said.

“He played a critical role in terms of winning souls for Christ and will be remembered for his great works. We mourn with the Guti family and the entire ZAOGA church.”

Apostolic Faith Mission of Africa (AFMA) overseer and president, Rev Rosewell Zulu said Prof Guti was giant of faith, one of God’s generals in his vineyard who led an honest life.

“As a church fraternity, we learnt with sadness of the passing on of ubaba uGuti, an illustrious spiritual leader. He was humble man of God who founded Zaoga FIF in Zimbabwe and today it is an international church,” he said.

“He was giant of faith, one of God’s generals and our hearts go to his wife, family and the entire Zaoga church. Now that he is gone, it important for the church to remain united and not allow the devil to bring about discord.”

Rev Zulu said he was hopeful that a suitable and God-fearing leader would succeed Prof Guti and carry on with his legacy. “Just like when Moses passed on, God raised Joshua to lead the Israelites. We are saying let the church follow God’s will and his teachings. Whoever will fill in the shoes should emulate Prof Guti and follow in his footsteps,” he said.

Rev Zulu said the late Prof Guti religiously helped uplift lives in the community.

“In his lifetime, Prof Guti made a huge impact both in Zimbabwe and globally. He improved lives of many people. We will also cherish his good works and contribution to the nation. May God console the family and all those who have known and interacted with him,” he said.

African Christian Council International (ACCI) grand-president Arch-Bishop Johannes Ndanga said they will meet today in Harare as church leaders to deliberate and make recommendations to Government for Prof Guti to be declared a national hero in recognition of his contribution to the country.

“As African Christian Council International we are meeting to deliberate on the role played by Prof Guti. We want to recommend that he be declared a national hero for his contribution to the country’s development and Christianity, given that the church is a symbol of peace and tolerance,” he said.

“Prof Guti built Zaoga from scratch and the organisation grew beyond Zimbabwe, which in itself symbolises him as an icon of the Gospel who deserves to be recognised by all people regardless of their political and religious standing.”

Arch-Bishop Ndanga said Prof Guti was a man who achieved a lot spiritually.

“As Christians, we don’t regret that Prof Guti is gone because he is being rewarded by his Creator for his good works, which are there for everyone to see. My advice to the Zaoga family is that let us remain calm and unite in honour of the Guti legacy who was a unifier,” he said.

Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) secretary-general Reverend Alfred Dimingo said: “As ZCC, we are saddened by the death of Guti and we are mourning as a Christian community.

He worked closed with us since Zaoga FIF is an associate member of ZCC.”

New Life Pentecostal Church founder Apostle Benjamin Joseph Murata said Prof Guti was an honest and transparent leader who led an unblemished life worth emulating.

“If you look at most of the Pentecostal movement in Zimbabwe, Apostle Guti played a critical role in their formation. He should be appreciated by all for his great work,” he said.

“While we mourn his passing on, we also celebrate his works. God had his way and in all this, we give glory to the Almighty. If we had our way we would have asked God to add more years so that he could be with us longer because we loved him.”

Posting on his Twitter page, Gospel musician and clergyman, Pastor Charles Charanba wrote:

“What a time. Our Zim Pentecostal Dad has graduated to glory. May we be consoled by the Holy Spirit.”