By Tendai Keith Guvamombe (Harare)
The streets of Zimbabwe vibrated with a different kind of energy this week—not the frantic pace of commerce, but the rhythmic, unified stride of thousands honoring a man whose influence spanned a century. Ezekiel Guti Day has transitioned from a date on the calendar to a living testament of faith, marked by a nationwide walkathon that saw young and old alike retracing the path of a visionary.
A Legacy in Motion
The commemorative walkathon was more than a fitness event; it was a physical manifestation of the long-standing legacy of the founder of the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA Forward in Faith). Participants engaged in 21km, 5km, and 2.5km races, symbolizing the various stages of a spiritual journey that began in the remote village of Ngaone and reached over 160 nations.
Leading by example, Amai Bishop Eunor Guti completed the 2.5km walk, while Archbishop Joseph Guti took on the 5km route. Their participation underscored a central theme of the Guti legacy: leadership through service and presence.
The Architecture of Peace and Character
Archbishop Joseph Guti captured the sentiment of a nation when he described the late Apostle as a “role model” whose teachings act as a stabilizing force in modern society. In an era where social fabrics are fraying, the Archbishop highlighted how Guti’s doctrine continues to be a primary defense against contemporary ills.
Economic Empowerment: Beyond the pulpit, Guti’s legacy includes the Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU) and Mbuya Dorcas Hospital, proving that spiritual health is inextricably linked to education and physical well-being.
Combating Social Vices: The church’s rigorous stance against drug and substance abuse has saved countless youth from the brink of addiction.
Reducing Violence: By preaching a gospel of peace and reconciliation, the movement has played a pivotal role in lessening domestic and societal violence.
Conclusion: A Torch Carried Forward
As the walkathon concluded, the message was clear: Baba Ezekiel Guti may have passed on, but his “Forward in Faith” philosophy is accelerating. The event served as a reminder that a true legacy is not found in monuments of stone, but in the transformed lives of people who now walk with a sense of purpose, integrity, and peace.
For Zimbabwe, Ezekiel Guti Day is not just about remembering a man; it is about recommitting to the values of hard work, prayer, and selflessness that he embodied for 100 years. The walk continues.