Raised and toughened in the swamplands of North Carolina, Kilian has lived in a tent within conflict zones, built a thatched hut, and opened a ceramic studio. He's been a wood mill laborer, interior painter, minister, administrative assistant, etc., which included him mopping floors and meeting with dignitaries. Kilian is an ordained evangelist with university degrees in the studies of liberal arts, social science, and biblical studies. In 2018, he received the Stone-Campbell Promising Scholar Award. He travels widely, speaking and teaching in many different contexts, helping people of various backgrounds and occupations to manage the triumphs and catastrophes of life. As the Communications Director at Mercy Partners, he travels to remote places within East and North Africa empowering locals through equal partnerships.