About

Sharen Syriotis, Director of Training

Sharen Syriotis, Director of Training ~ Sharen Syriotis has been the Director of Training for Child Evangelism Fellowship of Oregon, Linn County Chapter since 2007. Prior to that, she was Director of the Linn County Chapter for 10 years. She attended the Child Evangelism Fellowship® (CEF®) Children's Ministry Institute® in Fall of 1997. She was drawn to CEF in the early 70's because of their wonderful large illustrated songs and continuing missionary stories used at the little First Conservative Baptist Church in LaPine, OR. In 1981 she was introduced to the training program for teens, Christian Youth In Action® (CYIA™). She was so thrilled to attend as a Team Trainer and Counselor, she couldn't forget it. She was invited to join CEF as a full-time missionary, filled out all the applications and paper work but then determined she would have to wait until she had some other obligations taken care of. The LORD had more for her to learn and build her trust in Him before she said "Yes!" She had her own Kindergarten going, sponsored by her church — yes the little Baptist church where she discovered CEF. She taught her Kindergarten for six years and the last three years she found herself asking, "Do I stay with my Kindergarten where I can use CEF materials to teach my little ones about Jesus, thus preparing them spiritually, emotionally, and mentally or go to CEF?" The LORD brought her to CEF in Benton County, CEF of Oregon in 1985. She interned for two years and then became Assistant Director to Carol Ann Johnson.

That same year Sharen was introduced to a godly young man, George Syriotis. With God's amazing love, direction, and strength she met her future husband. On May 21, 1988 they were married and went into ministry together. George was, and is, always there in the background making it possible for her to fulfill her responsibilities. In turn, George brought her into the Awana Program at Corvallis First Baptist Church. George started as a leader for 3rd – 6th graders and then became Commander of the Awana Club. George came in the second year of the Awana Program's existence and has been there 38 years ministering to children and teens (he did personal study with several teens who eventually received the highest honor an Awana student can reach, the Citation Award. He continues to be in contact with them, seeing one go into ministry with Cru (Campus Crusade) and the others raising families in God's way. Sharen became a leader with grades K-2nd grade (Sparks). She has ministered as a leader, Secretary and presently Director of Sparks. She has 32 years under her belt in Awana. Her greatest joy is to be with the children where ever they may be: whether in Awana, Sunday School and Children's Church (to give relief to the teachers who have ministered all year), Good News Club®, 5-Day Club®, party club, or fair. Her other greatest joy is to teach teachers to pass on the Gospel from one generation to the next, and the next. God has blessed her with so many amazing teachers, co-workers, and prayer partners. God has revealed Himself in so many ways over the years. His orchestration of life and the connection to more and more children, teens, leaders, parents, families is beyond description. He is an awesome God!

Her life verses are 2 Timothy 2:15, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." And Philippians 4:19, "But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

For fun, Sharen enjoys card games like Dominion, Canasta, Hand & Foot, Five Crowns, board games, and getting together with friends for food and games and wonderful fellowship. She also enjoys camping and traveling. She and George have family and friends in Europe, China and India.