About ZAOGA Forward in Faith Ministries International
Forward in Faith Ministries International (FIFMI), also known as ZAOGA in parts of Southern Africa is a powerful Pentecostal ministry, whose agenda is to preach the true and uncompromising gospel of Jesus Christ. This gospel is not founded on the doctrines of man, but of Jesus Christ, as fulfilled on the day of Pentecost.
Rarely does an organization with such a vast world-reach hold a testimony of simplicity, and a genuine “humble beginnings” story. However, this is a story beginning with a man obeying the voice of God, which resulted in countless believers worldwide who are hungry for a deeper union with Jesus Christ.
History
On 12 May 1960, Ezekiel Guti responded to God’s special call, a call which led to the birth of the ministry under a eucalyptus tree, and in one of the most primitive countrysides of Zimbabwe called Bindura.
In 1963, as he prayed in the Bindura caves, God spoke to him and said,
“Learn and read the English bible and learn to preach in English because you shall go to many countries with my word.”
He did so in the caves everyday with prayer and fasting, and today the ministry of Forward in Faith has reached far and wide, with locations all over the world.
Many people across the continents have given their lives to Jesus Christ in response to the preaching of the gospel through FIFMI.
International Missions. From Africa to the World
FIFMI fervently sends missionaries from Africa and beyond to proclaim the unadulterated gospel. In a world witnessing a decline in faithfulness to God, the ministry is continuing dilligently in the vision entrusted to Apostle Dr. Ezekiel Guti, who personally planted numerous churches all over the world, along with just engaging in soul winning outreaches for the purpose of sharing the gospel to the lost.
The ministry has a burning passion to bring the timeless message of hope and salvation to all nations. This also includes western nations which were once on fire for the Lord but have seen a rapid decline in morality and in the preaching of the true gospel. FIFMI is ministering throughout Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australasia, the Americas and various Island nations across the globe.
What We Believe
Below are our beliefs on some keys areas of the faith. Our beliefs are rooted in the word of God with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone of the church.
Triune God
The Bible
Salvation
All have sinned and are in need of salvation which God provided through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Salvation comes by conversion (repentance). We emphasize that man must be born again by the word of God. (1 Peter 1:23)
The Holy Spirit
A believer must be filled with the Holy Spirit and the evidence is speaking in tongues. The true Holy Spirit bears fruit. (Galatians 5:22, 2 Cor. 3:17)
Healing
Healing has been provided by Jesus Christ for every believer. We believe in the laying on of hands upon the sick. James 5:14 says when anyone is sick, call the elders of the church.
The Resurrection
There shall be a bodily resurrection of the just and the unjust
Christ's Return
The return of Jesus Christ will be in person, will be visible, and will be soon
Water Baptism
We believe in the baptism of water by immersion (John 3:23. Acts 8:38. Matthew 28:18-20
Holy Communion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the official names and acronyms of the ministry?
- Forward in Faith Ministries International (FIFMI) is the name of the ministry, as known internationally.
- ZAOGA – Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa – as known in Zimbabwe and Zambia.
- ADA – Assembleia De Deus Africana – as known in Mozambique
- CAOGA – Congo Assemblies of God Africa – as known in Congo
- Igreja Avante na Fé Internacional – as known in Brazil
How many countries is FIFMI located in?
As of 2023, FIFMI is now located in over 160 nations and states.
How can I become a member of FIFMI?
To be a member of FIFMI, you must be born again by receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Locate a FIFMI church in your area, where you will be surrounded by a loving family of believers. If there are currently no FIFMI churches in your area, please contact us so we may be able to further direct you.
What distinguishes the ministry of FIFMI?
- We preach the full gospel of Jesus Christ followed by signs and wonders. This is the secret of the book of Acts. They preached the full gospel with Christ being the center.
- They were anointed and filled with the Holy Spirit.
- They knew the power and their authority to use the name of Jesus.
- Therefore I say preach the word; it will prevail, (Acts 19:20, Acts 6:8; Acts 12:24).
- The word, the Holy Spirit and the Name Jesus is the secret
How can we contact the FIFMI HQ or Administration?
You may contact us through the online contact form or reach the headquarters in Harare Zimbabwe at: +263 4 494425. You can also contact our International HQ in the UK at +44(0)121 557 6508
How did Archbishop Dr. E.H Guti manage to plant many churches across the globe?
This was by the grace of God. He said “The God who showed me many stars in Heaven in 1946 said to me; ‘These stars you have seen are a sign of many people. You will lead many people who will go to heaven.’ God said to Abraham, I will bless you and multiply your seed as the stars of heaven. (Genesis 22:17 to 18). Therefore, in fulfillment of the vision God gave to me to reach all nations with the gospel of Jesus Christ, as from 1991, we managed to send missionaries known as foreign messengers to Europe, Africa, U.S.A, Australia, New Zealand, and many other nations.”
“In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality but in every nation whoever fears him and works righteousness is accepted by him.” Acts 10:34-35.
Why is giving talked about a lot in the church?
“For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son….” John 3:16
God himself started the principle of giving in order to receive (many sons/believers). There is prosperity and multiplication through giving to God. If you take care of God’s business He will take care of yours. Luke 6:38 says “Give and it shall be given to you…for with the measure you give so shall it be measured to you” It is the rule of God that you reap where you have sown. For these reasons it is great wisdom to give to God.
How does FIFMI manage to coordinate thousands of pastors across the globe within the same vision?
In response to this question, Apostle Ezekiel Guti responded: “God started the ministry. There is an angel who runs this church. I am just a servant, but God is doing his work. It’s the hand of God running this ministry. Remember there is an angel of God in every true ministry of God. The Deeper Life Leadership Conferences for pastors, elders and deacons that are held separately once a year bring all leaders together. This is the time we have to impart the vision, and they always go back to the field renewed in their spirit as one.”
How did Archbishop Guti manage to reach the educated people in his country and abroad?
“In 1963, I went to the mountain of Bindura to pray. The Lord spoke to me saying: ‘Learn and read the English Bible and learn to preach in English because you shall go to many countries with my word.’ So I went up the mountain and in a cave everyday began to read the English Bible with prayer and fasting. And the holy spirit helped me by giving me the ‘Tongue of the Learned’, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary.” (Isaiah 50 vs. 4)
