Tribute to the late Dr SD Gumbi
Image: Supplied
On Monday, the 14th of July, the Church, the broader Christian fraternity, and indeed the entire nation, were gripped by a numbing and unspeakable sorrow upon learning of the passing of a towering general in the Lord's army, Dr SD Gumbi.
Like a mighty cedar felled in the forest of our faith, his departure has left a void that echoes across pulpits, sanctuaries, and spiritual corridors both near and far.
Since that solemn hour, the Gumbi family, and we, their spiritual kin, have borne the crushing burden of grief upon our hearts. Our souls have not found rest. Our spirits sink under the weight of an unanticipated and deeply disorienting loss.
Silent tears of lamentation have flowed down our cheeks, moistening not only our faces but our motherland itself. The cries of the bereaved resound not only in the atmosphere but deep within the innermost chambers of our being.
Dr Gumbi was no ordinary man. He was a trailblazer in the modern history of the Church, a preacher of global stature and celestial depth. Although his church affiliation was with the Assemblies of God, he belonged to all of us.
He was a man of tremendous humility who transcended denominational divides, a bridge-builder whose gospel bore the fragrance of unity and divine reconciliation. His name shall be etched in the chronicles of Church history, not merely as a preacher, but as a father, a reconciler, and a servant-leader par excellence. He had a great following, an anointed crowd-puller whose revivals drew multitudes and shifted atmospheres. He was highly respected across all ranks of the Church.
Over two decades ago, our paths crossed during the great revivals of KwaMashu, organised by Pastor Hlongwa and the GCF Network. I was meant to close those meetings, and with characteristic humility, he chose to wait and listen to 'the young man from the Cape.'
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I preached with every fibre of my being that night, and his response was unforgettable; he embraced me with such warmth and sincerity that a covenant was silently formed. From that day, we were inseparable.
He stood by me in all my ministry endeavours, offering me platforms in Vosloorus, Katlehong, Thembisa, Rhema Church, and beyond.
Our bond was further sealed when we discovered that my spiritual father, Dr JM Masebe, had once been his pastor in Standerton during the early 1960s. I had the honour of introducing him to UECA, where he became a beloved guest speaker, particularly at the Men's Conference. In 2013, he proposed and preached at the 40th anniversary of our church, an event saturated with God's glory. He returned again a decade later for the 50th celebration in 2023, still as fervent and filled with the Spirit as ever.
He was set to consecrate me at my ordination and the launch of the Redeemed Apostolic Church, of which I am the founder. However, due to illness, he was unable to attend in person. In his stead, he delegated the sacred task to Bishop Dumisani Nkosi and sent a heartfelt video message along with words of wisdom, delivered through his son-in-law, Pastor Oupa Nkgau.
Yet such was the weight of our spiritual bond that I later travelled to him personally, that he might lay hands upon me and impart his blessing. His body bore the marks of affliction, yet his spirit stood resolute and undimmed. In truth, I have lost not just a mentor, but lost a father.
He was a masterful expositor of the Word, a man of profound insight, gifted with a unique guttural voice that thundered truth into hearts. His messages were laced with wisdom and humour, leaving indelible marks on souls. He was a unifier, a healer of schisms, and a trusted counsellor to churches in crisis. His gospel was pure, undiluted, and sound.
Dr Gumbi was also a seasoned musician. He recorded a stirring album titled 'Amehlo AmAvulekile', a powerful spiritual offering released under Higher Dimensions Music, a recording label owned by myself and the gifted producer, Sizwe Zako. His voice in song, just like in a sermon, carried the weight of heaven and stirred the souls of men. Last year, sensing the twilight drawing near, he summoned me to his home in Standerton. Though his body was frail, his spirit was ablaze. He imparted wisdom, laid spiritual assurances upon me, and declared that the hand of God was strong upon my life. I thank God for that moment, it was a final fatherly benediction.
Dr Gumbi has left behind a resounding legacy, a footprint in eternity, and a model of servant leadership we must all aspire to. The mantle has fallen. Who shall rise to carry it?'Now when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep...' (Acts 13:36).
Indeed, Dr Gumbi has completed his assignment with honour. His indomitable soul rests in eternal peace.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mama Gumbi, his daughters Sibongile and Nomsa, and his cherished grandchildren.
May the God of all comfort hold them close and may the memory of Dr SD Gumbi inspire generations to come.
* Khaya Mayedwa is the Bishop and the Founder of the Redeemed Apostolic Church (RAC).
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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