THE death of ZAOGA-Forward in Faith founder and leading minister of the gospel, Archbishop Ezekiel Guti last night has united Christians from different denominations in celebrating his life and path-finding ministerial work in Zimbabwe and abroad.
Archbishop Guti – a celebrated academic, author and preacher – died just a few months after his 100th birthday.
Condolences messages continue to pour in as people celebrate the life of a paternal figure affectionately referred to as ‘Baba Guti’.
Glory Ministries’ founder, Bishop Pride Sibiya, said as a ministry, they were celebrating Archbishop Guti’s life and impact.
“As we mourn the loss of an extraordinary soul, a great father to us all, we also celebrate the profound impact he had on our lives. I see in the spirit this passing on of our legendary leader sparking revival all over the world. Please be ready to be part of this move,” he said.
“He has not died… He has transitioned into glory. Our human side is in pain, (but) the spirit celebrates. Earth is shocked, heavens celebrate. I celebrate God for allowing me to be in the same time as this general, be under his covering, to sit down at his feet to learn… learn not just from his words but from his godly lifestyle.”
Evangelist Paul Saungweme called on prayers for the Guti family and ZAOGA-FIF churches across the globe.
“With a crushed heart I want our partners to know that my spiritual father Prof Dr. Ezekiel Guti was transitioned to glory yesterday. Let’s pray for the family and ZAOGA-FIF churches all over,” he said.
Top gospel musician Shingisai Suluma with Archbishop Guti gone, it was left to those that remained to continue in his teachings.
“The great man of God has been taken to glory. We have remained to continue on with what he has taught us. The encouragement he gave to my husband and I concerning our music ministry will forever be treasured. Your heartfelt prayer will forever be in our hearts Baba, as we continue to remember that through it all, God is always on our side. We thank you. Go well, Baba,” she said.
Pastor Tichaona Chiwashira of Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAOZ) said the late general served many generations spanning eight decades, during which he raised thousands of believers, hundreds of gospel ministers and influencing many more thousands of believers and church leaders around the world.
“Now, he has fallen asleep. What an impact this humble, godly, and passionate man of God made on this earth for the kingdom of God! So inspired and challenged in my service of God. My greatest lesson from his life and teaching: always fear god, run away from sin. Deal with bad character and maintain godliness,” he said.
Gospel musician Sharon Manyika said words could not express how much the trailblazing apostle meant to her and many others, having “deposited an incorruptible seed in me”.
Fellow musician, Wenyasha Chingono, said he felt “blessed to have lived in the days of Apostle Ezekiel Guti”.
Founder and chief executive officer of Iron Sharpens Iron Pastors and Leaders Conferences Inc., Bishop Nelson Nzvimbo, said Archbishop Guti has left a legacy of a gospel truth.
“We will forever cherish your admonishing us to keep on keeping on in the heavenly assignment. You pioneered the indigenous Pentecostal movement in Zimbabwe and many African countries. You ran a race that, like Paul, you can say I fought a good fight of faith. We are grateful to God for giving you to us then as a gift to tap into the things of heaven.”
Bulawayo-based Apostle Ndaba Nikani, who is the founder and president of Kingdom, said “the mighty baobab has fallen, leaving behind an amazing legacy.” Apostle Nikani said Archbishop Guti’s life was a testament of God’s grace.
“His impact will forever be remembered. Rest in peace, dear Archbishop. Your journey may have ended, but your spirit will continue to inspire us,” he said.
Apostle Simon Chiwara of God’s Harvest International Church said Archbishop Guti had fought a good fight of faith.
Renowned life coach and pastor, Munatsi Sande, said it was an honour to have lived in the same timeline with Archbishop Guti.
“We, as a generation, where honoured by God to live in his days. Archbishop Guti lived a full life for the next generations to follow. We celebrate his legacy 100 years of life and finally finished his course on this earth today. We pray for the family, ZAOGA churches and the nations,” he said.
Comedian Nigel ‘Nijo’ Maritinyu expressed gratitude for how the late great apostle modelled Jesus for others to follow.
“I am blessed today because of the God you preached to me, taught me and led me to follow. I will be a success and blessing to the Kingdom of God because of your example. Forever loved, honoured and respected. Rest in glory, in the company of the champions of faith,” he said.
United Kingdom-based gospel songbird Olinda Marowa described the death of Archbishop Guti as a blow and saluted him for the feats he achieved for the Kingdom of God in his lifetime.
“Sleep well God’s General, Archbishop Ezekiel H Guti. You indeed fought a good fight. We thank God for the wonderful years you spent here on earth, impacting the world with the Good News of Christ. May your dear soul rest in peace. Till we meet again. Praying for comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding to the family and the world at large.”
