Spokane Blog

Ensaf was taken aback when she learned about refugee resettlement. Is there a place that helps people settle in and find stability here? A spark ignited within her. “Wow! I need to help people with an organization like World Relief.”

This week, we’re sharing stories from our staff – the real, raw, and beautiful stories – of how lives were changed, and hope was rekindled; how our refugee neighbors found a sense of belonging because of the people who welcomed them – especially volunteers. These stories remind us why we do what we do.

Nothing could have prepared Jana and Roger Dorway when they encountered a weary African family draped over the chairs at the Salt Lake City Airport. The father carried a UNHCR bag, a sure sign they were refugees. 

This is the opportunity the church in Spokane has with refugees who have come to our city. God has brought the nations to us. A pitch right down the middle. Roughly half are Christians already, persecuted for their faith.

The wail of a siren. It’s a sound most of us barely register. For Entisar and her daughters, it’s a terrifying echo of the day they fled Iran. The roar of planes overhead, the ground trembling with explosions – these are not distant memories, but vivid flashbacks that haunt their present.

Being a refugee from Sudan is hard enough, but this disabled refugee offers hope in times of uncertainty and big change.

Luckily, she wasn’t alone. With support and assistance from her Good Neighbor Team, Robina successfully found an apartment, enrolled her children in school, and attended medical appointments. In the process, a genuine friendship blossomed between Robina and the kids, and their support team. 

To inspire you, we have compiled a list of Bible verses to root you in His truth during these difficult times for our refugee neighbors.

Curious about the daily work of World Relief Spokane’s Resettlement Team? Here’s a unique opportunity to get a behind the scenes look at a typical week through the frontlines experience of a resettlement case manager.

Finding a starter job is a great first step, but many refugees aspire for more. To support these ambitious individuals, World Relief launched a new program in November 2024.