A sea of purple “Fear Not, Sin Not” T shirts filled Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa Road as thousands gathered in Harare to honour the late Archbishop Ezekiel Guti, founder of Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa Forward in Faith Ministries.
Believers of all ages took part in a walkathon covering 5, 10 and 15 kilometres, in tribute to Guti’s annual tradition. Each May, the late cleric took part in the walk, turning it into an act of worship.
Speaking on the sidelines, Archbishop Joseph Guti addressed the drug crisis gripping the nation. He said ZAOGA is building two rehabilitation centres, one for former prisoners and another for youths battling addiction.
“We should live a life free of drugs,” he said. “Each year, we remember a role model who lived righteously, a life of fearing God. That’s why this day matters. As a church, we contribute to nation building — and these centers are part of that.”
Archbishop Eunor Guti, who joined the walkathon, said the event keeps her husband’s teachings alive. She described the drug crisis as a national disaster driven by greed.
“It’s heartbreaking. People chasing money give kids drugs to sell. The kids taste it, get hooked, and we lose a generation,” she said. “So we say: come to church. The only salvation is Jesus Christ.”
The Ezekiel Guti Walkathon is held every May to commemorate his life of sacrifice. The event begins with the walk and ends with a musical concert where gospel artists are honoured for their work.
