Dr Eric Bafende has been practising medicine in D R Congo for more than ten years. As well as being responsible for more than 30 doctors in a major Congolese hospital, Eric frequently travelled to Europe to present medical papers on various subjects to the World Health Organisation and other well-known bodies.
Eric received a call from God 12 years ago to go to another country as a mission worker – not only to use his medical skills but also to live out his faith in a country where many do not recognise the lordship of Christ.
Eric is an active, valued member of the Baptist Community of the River of Congo (CBFC). Although the Congolese Baptist Church misses Eric greatly, he has been released to serve with BMS World Mission in Macenta, in the western forest region of Guinea. Eric is one of the first mission workers the CBFC has sent to a predominately non-Christian country.
Eric remains a member of the CBFC but is also supported by BMS for the next four years. He has received a warm welcome from his colleagues in Macenta and gradually he is also winning over the hearts and minds of the local people. Eric has been able to get involved in planning youth outreach and local sports events with the local church as well as taking on a significant role as a doctor within the Macenta Medical Centre.
It is not only the Congolese churches who are missing Eric; his family too have shared in Eric's call and commitment to make Christ known. His elderly father, who is often unwell, wholeheartedly endorsed Eric making this move to another country and culture, demonstrating the commitment to mission no matter what the cost for Church, family and friends.