Carl Wilkens

We honored Carl Wilkens at the 2019 Spring Gala for his outstanding dedication to the people of Rwanda during the 1994 genocide. As the only American to remain in the area despite warnings from the United States government, Carl responded to the needs of the vulnerable at great risk to his own safety.

In addition to bringing food, water, and medical supplies through Rwanda’s blood-stained streets to help those in danger, Carl saved hundreds of lives by strategically placing himself at sites of potential mass murder, utilizing his presence as a buffer between soldiers and innocent orphans.

Carl Wilkens is the former director of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency in Rwanda and is currently an Adventist pastor in Oregon. He founded a nonprofit organization, World Outside My Shoes, dedicated to equipping people for engaging with the world of “The Other” and to resist genocide, racism, and intolerance. In 2011 Carl released a book, I’m Not Leaving, depicting the courageous and sacrificial choices made by people in the face of genocide.

Carl and his wife Teresa speak around the world about their experiences in Rwanda as they strive to build peaceful bridges with “The Other.”

Carl Wilkens reminds us of the impact our personal choices and actions have in the face of injustice. We can entertain complacency or we can stand up for the vulnerable and marginalized in our own communities and around the world.

Ellen Kennedy, Executive Director of World Without Genocide (left), Carl Wilkens, award recipient (center), Senator Sandy Pappas (right).