AU shines as ‘beacon of hope’ for pastor

29 Jul AU shines as ‘beacon of hope’ for pastor

By Tim Tanton

HARVEST, Alabama—Africa University made all the difference for the Rev. Dr. Kanunu Emmanuel Busambwa in his journey from a poverty-stricken background in Congo to a pastoral career in Alabama.

“I wouldn’t be the person I am today without Africa University,” said Busambwa, 53, senior pastor of Ford’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Harvest.  

Growing up in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Busambwa recalls that his family couldn’t afford the $20 monthly fee for him to attend a local college after he graduated from high school. Wanting to study theology, he became friends with a local United Methodist missionary, who recommended him to Africa University. Busambwa was Pentecostal, but Dean David Yemba – who later became a bishop – and then-Vice Chancellor John Wesley Kurewa supported him attending the school on a full scholarship.

The Rev. Dr. Kanunu Emmanuel Busambwa enjoys a light moment in his office at Ford’s Chapel United Methodist Church.

He graduated in 2001 with a bachelor of divinity degree, and his experience at the school and appreciation for The United Methodist Church led him to join the denomination.

“For students like me, who came from the ashes of poverty, Africa University is a beacon of hope,” he said.

Through connections he made on campus with visitors from the U.S., Busambwa was able to continue his education in Atlanta, Georgia, where he earned a master of divinity at Gammon Theological Seminary and a doctorate of ministry at the Interdenominational Theological Center. After serving appointments in Atlanta as a student pastor, followed by Alexander City, Birmingham and Huntsville, Alabama, as an ordained elder, he was appointed to Ford’s Chapel.

Nestled in a rural community near Huntsville, Ford’s Chapel was founded in 1808, in the earliest days of Methodism in Alabama. Busambwa has been leading the congregation for nine years.

“He’s been a real blessing to the church,” said member Brian Grantham.

Busambwa helped Brian and Lynn Grantham and their family cope with the devastating loss of the Granthams’ preemie grandson, Daxton Martin, in February 2024. Baby Daxton was born prematurely.

Lynn Grantham said she was angry with God and didn’t understand how this could have happened. “Pastor Emmanuel said it was OK to be angry,” she said. Having that permission from the pastor “helped me the most,” she said, and his encouragement kept her from giving up on the church.

“Emmanuel is to me what Jesus would be here today,” she added.

Busambwa led Ford’s Chapel through the COVID-19 pandemic and a period of disaffiliations, as members and congregations left The United Methodist Church because of theological differences or other issues.

Last year, Busambwa helped unify Ford’s Chapel by leading a study in which church members realized they could still worship together and find common ground because of Jesus Christ, said member Ruth Smith.

Mark Smith, Ruth’s husband, said Pastor Emmanuel brings clarity and wisdom, and his sermons are powerful and meaningful.

Louis and Andrea Spencer transferred their membership to Ford’s Chapel in 2020, after visiting other churches. They said they liked Busambwa’s inviting and outgoing approach, as well as his inspiring preaching.

Following a worship service, the Rev. Dr. Kanunu Emmanuel Busambwa chats with a member at Ford’s Chapel United Methodist Church

With the Rev. Amanda Rochelle, associate pastor, Busambwa leads two services each Sunday morning. Many of the church’s members participate online.

Busambwa sees himself as a spiritual facilitator, helping people on their journey. A new 300-home development nearby holds potential for engaging more people. Beyond recruiting people, however, he wants Ford’s Chapel to be relevant by serving the community and meeting people where they are, being an extension of God’s kingdom through mission. The church has a learning center for preschool children from around the area. It also is active in supporting the local food bank, a prison ministry, downtown rescue mission, shelters for the homeless and for women and children, and the Harvest Youth Club.

Working in different contexts throughout his career, Busambwa said that God has given him the gift of adaptability. He tries to bring humility, cultural awareness and flexibility to his role, and he strives to work in such a way that a congregation adopts him as pastor. The principles that he learned at Africa University of being contextual have helped a lot, he said. The school taught him how to work in a multicultural setting, with people from different tribes and countries. It embodied both diversity and unity, he said.

Having served 21 years in North Alabama, Busambwa has deep roots there now. He and his wife, Dr. Kasang Odette Busambwa, have three sons in college. Someday, he said, he would like to return to the school that did so much to shape him.

“I always dream one day to go back to teach at Africa University, especially at the Faculty of Theology – or working in whatever capacity,” he said, “because Africa University is really something of great significance.”