By Patience Raibo
Apostle Ezekiel H. Guti is a well-known prophet, a gifted speaker, an experienced pastor, and a genuine teacher, and he demonstrates the qualities of an apostle. This past week, Archbishop Ezekiel Guti, the founder of the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA Forward in Faith) church, turned 100.
On May 5, 1923, Dorcus and Ngwanzeni’s son Handinawangu was born in Ngaone (Chipinge). Archbishop Guti received his calling when he was only 14 years old. He narrated that he got a calling on three occasions. On the initial encounter, young Ezekiel Guti heard music in the air and an angel appeared to him saying ‘Fear not, sin not’. Two more experiences were in Vumba and Harare, thereby sealing the launch of his ministry.
Since he was baptized when he was 14 years old, Guti has committed his life to sharing the gospel. In the beginning, he delivered sermons at the Rhodesian Force Club. Later, he moved to Highfield, where he purchased a cottage and was moved to turn it into a house of prayer for Africa. Today known as Cottage 593, this house is a reminder of the long history of the church.
Guti has been a minister and a speaker for the past 75 years. Prof. E.H. Guti is a brilliant evangelist who has made a name for himself as a prominent figure in the Pentecostal community. He is the leader of more than 5000 pastors and evangelists who look up to him as a Prophet and Servant leader. Apostle Guti’s influence has been felt across generations and the country’s borders. Forward in Faith, has reached 164 nations and 575 administrative provinces respectively.
Ezekiel Guti is a servant leader who believes that the “Church does not belong to him but belongs to God. From a humble beginning Forward in Faith has grown to be the fastest growing Pentecostal church in Southern Africa and throughout the world including Europe, and parts of West and East Africa, USA, India, Germany, Australia etc. Apostle Guti holds several degrees from different institutions. He holds a Bachelor of Christian Education and a Doctorate from Northgate Graduate School from Zoe College USA. He also holds the following qualifications, B.A, MA, D, D, D Min and Ph.D. I’m Religion.
Apostle Guti is married to prophetess Eunor Guti. Over 69 books about Apostle Guti’s teachings have been written. Seven Bible colleges called Africa MultiNation For Christ Colleges (AMFCC) were established by Ezekiel, with three in Zimbabwe, two in Mozambique, one in Zambia, and one in Ghana. Other organizations he founded include the Gracious Women’s Fellowship, the Africa Christian Business Fellowship, and the F.I.F. Children’s Home.