FOR the first time since the death of his son two years
ago, an emotional Zimbabwe Assemblies of God-Africa (Zaoga) founder, Archbishop
Ezekiel Guti has opened up about the tragic incident.
Evangelist Ezekiel Guti Jnr died in intensive care after
nearly drowning in a swimming pool while on holiday in South Africa. He died at
the age of 35.
The late Evangelist left behind wife Carol, children Dorcas
III, Eutricia Eunor and Ezekiel III. The Gutis continue to regard EJ’s widow as
their own daughter.
Archbishop Guti, who turned 96 years old last Sunday, spoke
of how the family is missing the late Ezekiel Jnr.
“I miss EJ, the family misses EJ, the church misses him, in
fact we all miss him. I am a leader and father to many therefore I ought to
remain strong but I really miss him. In the Bible it is clear that death is
God’s doing so we simply have to accept it and be strong. But inside we are
hurting,” he revealed.
Archbishop Guti fondly remembers how close he was to his
son.
“As EJ got into ministry, I discovered that he looked so
much up to me as he frequently consulted me on several issues. At times I would
come back home very late and tired but I would find him (EJ) waiting for me if
he needed to talk.
“He would not allow me to sleep. He would say, ‘Daddy talk
to me, help me.’ I had no choice but to help him. That was his nature, that’s
who he was, if he needed something, he was determined to get it,” said
Archbishop Guti.
By the time of his death, Archbishop Guti believes that
ministry was EJ’s greatest achievement.
The book “The Man Who Defied Condition”, authored by his
late son, became a lesson for him as a father. The book chronicled his life
experiences.
“He had become a great preacher and I believe that is the
best gift he gave to God and it was a lesson well learnt for us, especially
myself. In the word, I understand that God never promised that we are not going
to die. When he gave us EJ, he never told us when he was going to die, it just
happened.
“People may say a lot but I said to myself, I will leave it
in the hands of God. For me, the most important thing is that EJ was born again
and he feared God. I am a happy man because of that.
“When he died, it was painful but I knew God was there when
all this happened. I had no control over it so l was satisfied that I had
played my part,” he said with a smile on his face.
Despite his age, Archbishop Guti continues to travel the
world and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. He keeps himself fit by taking a
two kilometre walk every morning and eating natural foods.
He also spends most of his time reading the Bible and
scribbling notes. The hymn ‘He lifted me high’ remains his favourite as it is a
reminder of his call to ministry as a young man in Highfield. Sunday Mail
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