Volunteers at World Relief says that serving is “based on the faith that we have.” 

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 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. 

The Dorways, knowing the difficulty of being in a foreign country, greeted the family warmly and continued on to their gate – headed home toward Spokane. 

“We hadn’t realized they had gotten on (the same flight),” said Roger. “Probably boarded early.” 

When the Dorways disembarked the plane, they found the family standing alone at the baggage claim, luggage in hand, with no one there to greet them. Seeing their confusion, Roger approached the father and helped him contact World Relief. It turned out the World Relief staff member had mistakenly gone to the wrong baggage claim. 

This unexpected encounter deeply impacted the Dorways. Jana would drive past the “Spokane Loves Refugees” sign near I-90 and think of the refugees in Spokane, feeling a growing desire to serve and wondering how to fit anything more into her busy schedule. 

A few months later, the Dorways talked with a World Relief staff at Summit Church. Remembering their encounter with the refugee family at the airport, the couple asked if there was a way for them to be reunited with the family as volunteers. 

“It was a good time to plug in,” said Roger. “And figure out what it means to welcome them to Spokane.” 

The couple was overwhelmed with excitement when they finally got to see the family again. 

The Dorways remember the moment the family walked through the door. They were meeting with Janice and Wahid – staff members at World Relief Spokane. 

“We just all bombarded them,” Jana said while laughing. They were pleased to see that the family’s English had improved since the last time they were together. 

The Dorways learned that the father was working double shifts for the Christmas season. He was working on getting his driver’s license and wanted to buy a car. 

Jana was impressed. “He’s really got some strong goals.” 

The older kids went to school while mom stayed home and attended online English as a Second Language classes and cared for her youngest. When the Dorways learned that some of the kids didn’t have winter coats they gladly drove them to Global Neighborhood Thrift to pick out some winter gear. 

“Their hospitality is pretty incredible. You’d think they’re paying rent, they’re buying food for all these kids and yet they’re so welcoming and put out food for us every time we go.”

Jana Dorway

In no time, Roger and Jana found themselves being invited into the family’s daily life. The apartment was always bustling with activity, with 3-5 visitors often gathering together. Jana was impressed by the mother’s abundant generosity towards her guests. 

“Their hospitality is pretty incredible. You’d think they’re paying rent, they’re buying food for all these kids and yet they’re so welcoming and put out food for us every time we go,” said Jana. “It’s pretty remarkable.” 

“We’ve been in Arab countries and places before, and the culture is beautiful,” Roger agreed. “They are good hosts.” 

The Dorways gradually learned more about the family’s history. Both parents fled to a refugee camp in Chad during their teenage years, where they met, married, and raised their children. For 20 years they lived in that camp. They literally had no country, no citizenship… no home. They were unwanted, didn’t belong – anywhere.  

The Dorways are determined to make sure this family knows Spokane is their home. 

They pick up diapers for the family once in a while.  Mostly, the couple simply enjoys time spent with the family. Their goal is to help the family feel like they truly belong and are part of the Spokane community and not so isolated. 

It was clear to the Roger and Jana that this family needed American friends to invite them into their hearts and into community. This included introducing them to American traditions… like birthday parties! 

“They’ve never had a birthday party before,” said Roger. “They don’t do that in the camps apparently.” 

Roger and Jana had a great time throwing a birthday party! There was a cake, balloons and a singular gift for the baby – who had just turned one. For a few hours everyone celebrated, and the kids ran around the apartment whacking balloons. 

After the party, the father arrived home with only one concern asking, “Did you take pictures?” 

“I grew up in a family where serving is the norm and it’s based on the faith that we have,” said Roger. “What are we to do? Love God and love people.” 

Proverbs 27:17 states, ‘As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.’ This truth has become profoundly evident in Roger and Jana’s relationship with this refugee family. 

“Just realizing how impactful it is for both of you. We are so moved by them and how they are doing. Hopefully we can provide some support and encouragement… Just to have someone to be able to call [with questions],” said Jana. 

The Dorways were equally impressed by the outpouring of support from the Spokane community. Their neighbors pitched in, providing pajamas and looking for ways to connect with the family through the Dorways. Even with their needs being met, Roger believes that something more profound is often needed. 

“I think [that World Relief] does… an amazing job of showing them how to manage their life here, resources and things like that. But sometimes they might need help in just knowing somebody new.” 

The Dorways encourage you to consider the impact of volunteering through World Relief Spokane. By building genuine friendships with refugee families, you offer much more than practical assistance; you offer companionship, understanding, and a sense of belonging. 

About the Author

Keri Bambock is the Communications Coordinator at World Relief Spokane. Her hobbies include sketching and painting. She likes riding her bike to the office and always gets the best parking spot.