Yamil grew up in Chicago, Illinois where he studied at the University of Illinois, and Chicago Medical School where he earned his degree in physical therapy. He was also educated at Moody Bible Institute. He met his wife, Susan, in 1983 when she was serving as a summer missionary, in Chicago, with Inner City Impact. In 1988 Yamil moved to Knoxville, began attending Fellowship Church, and married Susan. Since that time, they have both been involved in different ministries in the church, including international student ministry, children’s ministry, and leading small groups. They have three children, Jonathan, 11, Andrew, 9, and Katie, 7.