Cida Rafael

Co ordinator of Happy Child Recife

My name is Cida Rafael and I have been with Happy Child since the very beginning when it first started 13 years ago.

I have always tried to be a strong woman but deep down I hid the damage of my past. I too was a child at risk. My childhood was not easy and at 11 years old I went to work. My Father died when I was young and at that time I suffered from neglect, hunger and a total breakdown of the family structure.

Despite all that has happened I know that I am loved by God. He has purpose and a plan for me. This completely fulfills me.

In 1994 I joined Happy Child. This Ministry has been my life and through it I have been encouraged to develop and grow. I have tried to fulfill all my duties with love and dedication. I really know that this Ministry is all about love. Unconditional love.

Now I am with Happy Child in Recife, North East, Brazil. I have dreamed of Happy Child starting its work in this city for many years.

2 years ago I was in hospital diagnosed with cervical cancer which could have been life threatening. From my hospital bed I cried out to God saying ‘Lord heal me as I am supposed to be going to Recife and Mozambique for you in the future’. All the tumours disappeared and I was healed !! It was a miracle.

For more than 2 years I trained in Belo Horizonte. I learnt all about good administration, relationships and conflict resolution. Now I am ready for the pioneer task of running Happy Child in this region. I am so excited to have the opportunity to make a huge difference to hundreds of children in Recife who are living in the gutter.