Zimbabwean Cleric and ZAOGA Church Founder Ezekiel Guti Passes Away at 100

Prominent cleric, and founder of the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA) church, Ezekiel Guti, has transitioned from this earthly realm. A towering figure in the African spiritual landscape, Guti was renowned for his dynamic leadership and transformative visions that radiated across Zimbabwe and beyond.

On July 5, 2023, this spiritual colossus relinquished his earthly duties to join his divine Master, a departure that was solemnly announced by his church, ZAOGA. “It’s with profound sadness and sorrow that we disclose the elevation to eternal glory of our esteemed spiritual patriarch, and groundbreaking leader, Archbishop Ezekiel Handinawangu Guti,” shared Apostle Joseph Guti, ZAOGA’s national chairperson, in a heartfelt announcement aired on national television.

“Ezekiel Guti has transitioned to unite with his Lord and Savior, whom he selflessly and devotedly served for more than 80 glorious years,” he added.

A significant beacon of faith in Zimbabwe, Guti’s ZAOGA church, also recognized as Forward in Faith Ministries International, has its humble origins in Bindura, Zimbabwe, under the shade of a simple gum tree. Over time, this once modest congregation has expanded into an international phenomenon, its spiritual influence now reaching across over 140 nations and territories by the year 2023.

Born a century ago, Guti marked his 100th birthday in May, 2023, a milestone that was hailed by eminent personalities including President Emmerson Mnangagwa and numerous Christian denominational heads. They collectively lauded Guti for his pioneering contributions to indigenous Pentecostal evangelism, making him a revered figure in Zimbabwe’s religious history.

President Mnangagwa particularly highlighted the transformative impacts of various initiatives and institutions affiliated with Guti, like the Mbuya Dorcas Hospital, Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University, Ezekiel Television, and Dress Making Training Centres. The president also acknowledged the primary and secondary schools operated by the church that are immensely benefiting the Zimbabwean communities by influencing lives and livelihoods positively.

In a tragic incident back in December 2017, Guti suffered a personal loss when his son, Evangelist Ezekiel Guti Junior, passed away in South Africa. The younger Guti’s battle for life in an Intensive Care Unit came to a tragic end after a near-drowning incident in a swimming pool on Christmas day. His demise was another profound incident in the life of Ezekiel Guti, a life that was a remarkable blend of spiritual service, visionary leadership, and personal resilience.