Evangelical Christian Biography

Chiyana Simões is an evangelical preacher and youth leader, as well as a technology leader in the field of digital communications. His life is a testament to dedication to spiritual service, youth leadership and technological innovation.

Origins and Inspiration

• Born in Angola, Chiyana has been deeply influenced by a family committed to education and the Christian faith. The son of teachers, his father in particular—a renowned Educational Psychologist, professor and writer—played an essential role in his intellectual and spiritual development. The presence of an evangelical pastor as his paternal grandmother, an organist as his paternal grandfather and a deacon as his maternal grandfather inspired him from a very young age to lead others towards faith.
• His move to Portugal at the age of 11, followed by accepting Jesus at 12 and being baptised at the First Baptist Church of Braga at 13, marked the beginning of his formal commitment to Christianity.

Youth and spiritual leadership

• Since arriving in Catalonia in 2006, Chiyana has pursued his calling to serve at the UNIDA Church in Terrassa, establishing himself as a key figure in both spiritual leadership and the local evangelical community. His experience as an inspiring youth leader, which began in Portugal, found new scope for expression in Catalonia, where he has continued to make a profound impact on young people's lives.
• At the UNIDA Church in Terrassa, as well as at the Baptist Church of Braga, Chiyana has passionately led various faith-based educational initiatives, such as the Missions class for children, the Bible School for teenagers and special activities for pre-teens. Through these activities, he has made a significant contribution to the spiritual development of future generations of leaders, marking a turning point in the journeys of many young people.

Entrepreneurship and digital innovation

• As an entrepreneur in the digital sector, Chiyana has provided technological leadership, specialising in Digital Communication, Digital Marketing and Digital Innovation. This expertise has positioned him as a key figure in the digital transformation of the UNIDA Church in Terrassa.
• His vision for integrating technology into the life of faith has opened up new avenues for sharing the message of the gospel, connecting the faith community in the digital age.

Significant contributions

• Chiyana has shared his perspective in collective works such as the "Solidarity Book ‘Jesus: Year 33’”, focusing on themes such as the “Beatitudes” and offering a profound yet accessible perspective on Christ's teachings. He is also one of the writers for the UNIDA Church blog.
• He has been actively involved in high-impact projects such as “GBU”, “Word of Life”, “Kids Games” and “Athletes for Christ” in Portugal, and “Youth for Christ” and “Baptist Youth of Catalonia” in Catalonia, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the empowerment and spiritual development of young people.

Ongoing service and leadership

• He is currently part of the preaching team and teaches at the adult Bible School at UNIDA Church, standing out for his strong leadership and tireless dedication to the community. Previously, he served on the Church Council for four years, demonstrating an exceptional commitment to governance and strategic planning.
• As leader (director) of the Children's and Youth Ministry (including the Sports Ministry) and Director of Digital Communications, Chiyana continues to inspire and exert a positive influence on young people's lives and on the community's digital presence.

Personal life

• In his personal life, Chiyana shares his life with his wife Natália, Natália's daughter Rita, his daughter Natula, and his pet Grumpy, who play a fundamental role in his life journey and are a constant source of inspiration.