From the midwestern plains of Wheaton to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Doug Goebel ’90 is keenly aware of the value of education. He carries with him the mark of his own education, as well as the education of many Rwandan youth.

Doug is an investment manager from West Linn, Oregon, and a man faithful to both God’s call and the prospect of adventure. In February 2018, Doug set out with nine other climbers—one of whom was his 18-year-old daughter, Payton—to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro. The team raised funds for Africa New Life along the way. 

Africa New Life is a non-profit headquartered in Portland, Oregon, that focuses on educational sponsorship as the core of their work in Rwandan communities. Doug and his team raised $100,000 for college scholarships, which is enough for 60 individuals to receive higher education this year. The students receiving the scholarships attend seminaries or universities in Rwanda, allowing them to continue their education after high school and invest in their communities.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is no small feat. For Doug, the educational sponsorship opportunity was a big pull. It was also a monumental way to celebrate his 50th birthday and to create a lifelong memory with his daughter.

“As a father, you want to find ways to connect with your kids. The teenage years can be difficult for parents,” says Doug. “Finding a shared experience like climbing Kilimanjaro—something that was a real interest of Payton’s—that’s something I’ll always cherish.”

Doug describes God’s creation as breathtaking. The group hiked toward Kilimanjaro for eight days, staring at the mountain standing tall over the plain. With each step, they were reminded of God’s provision and faithfulness.

Hear more of Doug Goebel's story in the 2015 Homecoming Chapel