Story by Peter Chivhima
ZAOGA Forward in Faith Ministries International marked its 66th anniversary on Sunday, with church leaders pledging to preserve the teachings and legacy projects established by founder Archbishop Ezekiel Handinawangu Guti.
Anniversary celebrations were held across Zimbabwe and in countries where the church has established assemblies, with the main local commemorations taking place at the Grange assembly in Harare.
Congregants described the milestone as a celebration of faith, holiness, unity and the church’s contribution to national development.
“Archbishop Ezekiel Guti’s legacy is simply fearing God. You must not sin. Holiness was his message,” one congregant said.
Another said the anniversary was an opportunity to appreciate the church’s growth and enduring values.
“It is a special moment for us to thank God for the church’s growth, unity and the legacy left by Archbishop Ezekiel Guti.”
Presiding over the commemorations, Archbishop Dr Joseph Joe Guti urged members to remain united and committed to the church’s founding principles.
“We continue in unity, in love and in the genuine fear of God. We continue with the legacy projects he left in terms of nation-building, building schools, training centres and hospitals. We are following the teachings of Jesus Christ,” he said.
The celebrations also coincided with Mother’s Day commemorations, with Senior Archbishop Professor Eunor Guti calling on society to honour mothers.
“It is important for us to continue honouring and celebrating our mothers. Dr Guti taught us unity and love,” she said.
Founded in Bindura in 1960 under a gum tree, ZAOGA Forward in Faith Ministries International has grown into a global ministry operating in more than 170 countries.
Archbishop Ezekiel Guti, who preached for 75 years, died in 2023 and was declared a national hero in recognition of his contribution to spiritual and national development.
