Grand Celebrations for the Legacy of a Remarkable Centenarian of Faith –Archbishop Ezekiel Handinawangu Guti

The Giant National Sports Stadium (Harare) was Packed.

In a grand and awe-inspiring gathering that transcended borders and cultures, nearly 60,000 people from over 160 countries came together to bid a heartfelt farewell to Archbishop Ezekiel Handinawangu Guti, a towering figure of world evangelization and spiritual guidance. The promotion to glory of Archbishop Ezekiel H. Guti, who had lived a remarkable journey spanning an impressive 100 years and 2 months, marked a profound moment of reflection, gratitude, and jubilation first to us whom he led and to millions of others who cherished and revered his life and works.

The atmosphere at the send-off was electric, as believers and well-wishers filled Giant National Sports Stadium in Zimbabwe’s capital city Harare to pay their respects to a life that had touched millions across the globe. The grand celebrations that had begun on Friday 4 August climaxed to the peak on the final celebrations’ day, Sunday 6 August. It was a day of celebration, a day to commemorate a life richly lived and a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

The event was a true testament to the enduring impact that Archbishop Ezekiel Guti or Baba Guti as we called him had on individuals, communities, and nations. As the sun cast its golden rays over the gathering, the air buzzed with stories of transformation, hope, and love that had been ignited by the teachings and actions of the great general of faith.

The ceremonies commenced with a solemn yet joyful procession, as the hearse that carried the casket, and a convoy of close family and dignitaries drove around the stadium. The hearse was flanked by a pool of senior church leaders mainly Bishops of ZAOGA FIF from all across the globe who were dressed in white and purple, the colors that Baba Guti loved and wore most of his time. The sense of unity was palpable, a tangible manifestation of the global family that the man of God Baba Guti had fostered.

Eulogies and tributes flowed like a river of gratitude, painting a vivid portrait of a life that had been dedicated to spreading the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ. Speakers from diverse backgrounds shared anecdotes of personal encounters, highlighting moments of guidance and inspiration that had changed the course of lives. Amidst the tales of shared laughter and shared tears, a universal thread emerged – the profound impact this spiritual luminary Baba Guti had on the hearts and souls of millions across the globe.

Musical performances, by several artists from within ZAOGA Forward In Faith Church infused with cultural diversity, echoed through the arena, creating an atmosphere of reverence and celebration. Songs of hope and praise and affirmations resonated with the attendees, lifting spirits and reinforcing the enduring message and work of the man of God Baba Guti.

Representatives from the 160 countries took turns sharing how their nations had been touched by the life, teachings, and humanitarian efforts of the iconic leader Baba Guti. It was a poignant reminder that the true Gospel of Jesus Christ knows no boundaries and that the legacy of this great man would continue to ripple across the tapestry of human existence. As he had prophetically declared that “when I am long gone you will need to tell them that there was once a man called Ezekiel by name...”

The send-off was more than a farewell; it was a celebration of life, a tribute to a centenarian whose unwavering commitment to the Gospel and his calling had left an indelible mark on the hearts of countless individuals across the globe. The legacy of this great man of God, his teachings, and his acts of kindness, would forever remain etched in the annals of human history, a beacon of light guiding humanity towards true salvation, a life surrendered to God, love, unity, and hard work.

As the sun set on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the departing crowd, a sense of peace settled in the hearts of those in attendance. The world had come together to honor a life well-lived, and though the physical presence was no longer with us, the spirit of the great man would continue to inspire and uplift, reminding all that a life of purpose knows no bounds, transcending time and space.

Joseph Dhlakama.