LATE Wednesday night, news filtered across social media platforms and the nation that the iconic ZAOGA leader, Archbishop Professor Ezekiel Handinawangu Guti had been promoted to glory two months after celebrating his impactful centurion whose three-quarters had been lived as a Minister of the Word transforming lives across many nations.
In a death announcement that was shared on social media, ZAOGA national executive chairman Apostle Joseph Guti described the cleric as a “spiritual father, visionary and iconic leader” who had been promoted to glory.
“We appeal to you to pray for our mother Apostle Professor Eunor Guti and the family and the church at large to be comforted by the holy spirit,” he said.
Spanning beyond the borders of Zimbabwe, his presence and his work in society can be dated back to the 20th century with his life chronicling the narrative of a God-sent servant who built his ministry from a gum tree in Bindura to establishing a reach which now has footprints in over 140 nations and states across the globe.
An educationist par-excellence, Dr Guti held various academic qualifications which include a Bachelor of Christian Education and a doctorate from Northgate Graduate school and Zoe College, in the United States of America. Additionally, he also had a BA; MA; DD; Min and a PHD in Religion.
With several books to his name, Dr. Guti wrote from a bird’s eye view emanating from decades of experience as an iconic servant in God’s ministry.
With Christian books lately becoming a narration of scriptures, Dr Guti’s books have in contrast touched on all facets of life affecting both Christians and non-Christians written from an experienced and practical veteran whose teachings have transformed the lives of many.
His book, the Prayer of a Righteous Man avails much and longest, the recorded prayer of Jesus and touches on topics like perseverance and remaining steadfast in prayer regardless of the circumstances.
In my view, these principles, in particular that of perseverance seem to be derived from his long arduous journey which saw him experiencing difficulties and several obstacles in building his ministry which now has solid footprints across different nations across the globe.
His other book titled True Grace of God and false grace shares teachings on how falsehoods and misinterpretation of God’s word were becoming the order of the day. The book touches on deception by the people who are preaching without any context to the word of God. Apostle Guti’s True Grace of God and false grace also seems to equip the people about the differences between true grace and false grace.
Others book titles
Two Ways of Knowing God
Effective Preaching that Draws People to God
Foundations: Exploration of Bible Doctrinal Study (Protection Against Hearsay)
Guidance and Example of a Praying Church
The manager who lost his Job due to false accusation
Saved Baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost
Sunday Morning Bible Study
Talents
The late Apostle has been celebrated as one of the greatest spiritual and iconic advisors in Zimbabwe and abroad.
Throughout the course of his life Archbishop Guti has been recorded sharing several nuggets of wisdom which have helped shape the character of many great men and individuals across socio-economic and political divide both in Zimbabwe and abroad.
His impact in the literary world inspired many authors to pen scriptural handbooks and I have had the privilege of assisting a few and such is a testament of a well-lived life of impact through teachings, various books and people he inspired throughout his life.
Dr Guti is remembered to have stated that love, respect and forgiveness formed the pinnacle of great nations.
“If you want a better life, think right, talk good things all the time. I say to all, please love one another. Respect each other. Forgive everyone and be a blessing to your nation.”
Dr Guti will be remembered for contributing to the development of the nation with the Mbuya Dorcas hospital, and several learning facilities including ZEGU being some of the key highlights of his commitments to national discourse which were meant to improve people’s well-being beyond their spiritual life.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Fungayi Antony Sox works at TisuMazwi – a public relations and communication-centered social enterprise specialising in books, education, IELTS, and storytelling projects. He writes in his personal capacity. For feedback contact him on 0776 030 949, connect with him on LinkedIn on Fungayi Antony Sox, or follow him on Twitter @AntonySox