The body of renowned preacher Archbishop Ezekiel Guti is coming home this Saturday to a heroes welcome, marking the end of a life spent spreading the word of God in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Fondly known as ‘Baba Guti’ (Father Guti), the late 100-year-old founded the massive ZAOGA FIF church six decades ago and continued preaching the gospel right up until his death on July 5.
Now his body is making the journey back to the country he loved and served so faithfully, accompanied by his wife Prof Eunor Guti and family. Church officials have instructed thousands of ZAOGA FIF members to line the streets from Harare airport to a funeral parlour to pay their final respects as the motorcade passes by.
In a letter addressed to Greater Harare, Norton and Chitungwiza leaders and saints, Secretary General of ZAOGA FIF Apostle Mishael Nyambo said: “We announce the homecoming of our Father, who is accompanied by our mother, Archbishop Prof Eunor Guti and the family this Saturday around noon.
“We therefore encourage Greater Harare, Norton, and Chitungwiza members to come in numbers and honour our Father at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Harare, on this historic day,” Apostle Nyambo said.
He also said mourners would line up along Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Road from the airport roundabout to Braeside roundabout before the convoy proceeds to a funeral parlour.
The church had organised grand celebrations which everyone was free to attend. Those from outside Harare were encouraged to come for the grand celebrations scheduled for 3 – 6 August.
Tributes have been pouring in for the “faith giant” who touched so many lives through his evangelism and charitable works.
In his condolence message, President Mnangagwa said the death of Prof Guti left him “deeply shattered and saddened”.
He said Prof Guti’s works and footprints indelibly abounded across the length and breadth of the country, well beyond the vast, national movement of congregants and places of worship that he led.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga described the late clergyman as a towering figure in Zimbabwe’s Christian movement, nation building and preservation of the social fabric.
As well as founding ZAOGA FIF, Baba Guti also established the Ezekiel Guti University and Mbuya Dorcas Hospital – a testament to his commitment to improving Zimbabwe through education and healthcare. The sad homecoming this Saturday will give the nation a chance to say goodbye to a spiritual leader who dedicated his life to sharing God’s love and making Zimbabwe a better place. Rest in peace, Father Guti – Zimbabwe will never forget you!