About the Lillies

Serving in Thailand

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Joel, Janaya, and Kelly

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John

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Josiah

ABOUT THE LILLIES

Kelly (Carey) Lillie grew up in Erwin, Tennessee, while Joel's hometown is Garrett, Indiana. 

Joel and Kelly were married on December 18, 1993. They have three children. John Frank was born in Mesa, Arizona, September, 1994.  Josiah Amos greeted the world in Chiang Mai, Thailand, June, 1996.  Janaya Marie joined the Lillie family in Chiang Mai, November, 2007. John and Josiah both live in the States, while Janaya is with Mom and Dad in Thailand.

Dr. Joel Lillie holds degrees from: East Tennessee State University (BS in Social Work, 1982); the University of Missouri (MS in Community Development, 1993); Columbia International University (Master of Divinity, 2005, and Doctor of Ministerial Leadership, 2022). 

Joel was ordained at Central Christian Church in Carmel, IN on July 9, 2005. 

From 1984 to 2010, Joel lived in Thailand (Kelly and John arriving in 1995), and engaging in pioneer evangelism, Bible teaching, leadership training and Christian community development training in Thailand and surrounding countries. 

For six years - 2010-2016, the Lillies deployed to Purdue University to share Christ love with international students.

In August, 2016, Joel, Kelly and Janaya returned to Thailand, where they have been engaged in evangelism, leadership training, mentoring, coaching, consulting, teaching, preaching, and development work.