ABOUT THE LILLIES
In the top picture above are Joel, Janaya, and Kelly. John is in the middle picture, and Josiah is in the bottom picture.
Kelly (Carey) Lillie grew up in Erwin, Tennessee, while Joel’s hometown is Garrett, Indiana.
Joel and Kelly were married on December 18, 1993.
John Frank was born in Mesa, Arizona, in September 1994. Josiah Amos greeted the world in Chiang Mai,
Thailand, in June 1996. Janaya Marie joined the Lillie family in Chiang Mai in November 2007.
Dr. Joel Lillie holds degrees from: East Tennessee State University (B.S. in Social Work, 1982); the University of Missouri (M.S. in Community Development, 1993); and Columbia International University (Master of Divinity, 2005; Doctor of Ministerial Leadership, 2022).
Joel was ordained at Central Christian Church in Carmel, Indiana, on July 9, 2005.
From 1984 to 2010, Joel lived in Thailand (Kelly and John arriving in 1995), engaging in pioneer evangelism, Bible teaching, leadership training, and Christian community development in Thailand and surrounding countries.
For six years (2010–2016), the Lillies served at Purdue University, sharing Christ’s 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.
John currently works for AT&T and lives in Northern Kentucky. He enjoys cooking, especially international cuisines. After serving six years in the Navy, Josiah is now studying civil engineering and living in Jacksonville, Florida. He has a special love for turtles. Janaya lives with Mom and Dad in Chiang Mai. She is homeschooled but also takes courses at Grace International School.