Posts Tagged ‘Spokane’

When Kazim Abdullahi is asked where he is from, his reply is, “Rich culture and traditions, hospitality, beautiful landscapes, strong community and family bonds, unique cuisine, strong and hardworking people.” The poetic description of his country and community come before any geographical names.    Kazim grew up during a peaceful time in Afghanistan, where he remembers…

Hello. مرحبا. That’s how Hilton and Priscilla met their new neighbors, a lively Syrian family sharing their triplex. What followed was a delightful comedy of errors. First, the Syrian family assumed Hilton and Priscilla were from Spain. Then, came the guesses of the U.S. or Mexico. Finally, with a burst of laughter, Priscilla revealed the truth: they were fellow refugees from Nicaragua. 

Hassan thew himself into each word, asking for private lessons, driven by a desire he couldn’t yet articulate. A desire that would shape his future as an IOM interpreter.

In 2013, Venezuela’s economic downturn hit Evany hard. Prices had inflated and she couldn’t even buy milk. Life had previously been good in Venezuela. She was a university student pursuing Industrial Relations and expecting her first daughter, Vida – meaning life.

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.