Rev. Godwin Kanakaraj lives in Aurora, IL with his wife Malar Raj. In addition to his pastoral work at Christ Tamil Church, he is serving as a chaplain at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, in Wheaton, IL. He earned his theological degree in 1984 under Serampore College. He pastored at London Missionary Society Church in Palliyadi, South India for twelve years before immigrating to the US in 1996. In the US he received his Master of Theology in pastoral care and counseling from Calvin Theological Seminary, in Grand Rapids, MI. He pastored at Tamil United Church of Christ, Chicago for eighteen years.
Their daughter Blessy Raj is married to Mel Jerome. Mel is currently pursuing a degree in youth ministry at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA.