CHURCH leaders have described the late ZAOGA founder, Archbishop Ezekiel Guti, as an international missionary who ran and finished a good race.
Guti died on Wednesday at the ripe age of 100 years.
They also expressed their condolences and paid tribute to the late Archbishop, highlighting his contributions to the growth of the church in Zimbabwe and beyond.
They praised him for his philanthropic work and commitment to empowering the less privileged through various projects.
Many emphasised that while he may have faced criticism and opposition at times, he remained steadfast in his faith and dedicated to his calling. Overall, there was a sense of reverence and gratitude for the life and legacy of Guti, a towering figure in the Zimbabwean and African church community.
Pastor Charles Charamba of the Rooted in Christ Ministries described him as a Pentecostal father.
“What a time. Our Zim Pentecostal Dad, may we be consoled by the Holy Spirit,” said Charamba.
Apostle Stephen Mangwanya of the New United Apostolic Church said Guti was one of the pioneers of indigenous churches whose impact changed African Christianity.
“As a body of Christ, we have lost a great spiritual leader,” said Mangwanya.
“His gospel changed poor people into spiritual and material giants.
“Some attacked him over tithes, but the little he got changed other people through projects meant to empower the less privileged.
“He made it possible to construct church buildings, not only in Zimbabwe, but in other African countries.
“The buildings became classes of teaching men and women to use their hands in bringing food to their families besides being places of worship
“He constructed hospitals, a university, schools and training centres during his time.
“Archbishop Guti has finished his race, no matter what some may say about his doctrines and philosophies,” said Mangwanya.
Prophet Tapiwa Freddy of Goodness and Mercy Ministries said his death is a loss, not only to Zimbabwe, but to the body of Christ as a whole.
“He ran his race. It’s time for other ministers to follow in his steps and run with their vision,” he said.
Reverend Obadiah Musindo of Destiny of Afrika Network described Guti as a great Statesman whose knees prayed for national peace, economic and political success.
“Political in the sense of building hospitals, universities and schools as a way of empowering his nation.
“His prayers contributed much to national healing, stability and order.
“He was a spiritual legend in all facets of life and deserves all the accolades befitting a great Statesman,” said Rev Musindo.
