Staff

Our Local Director

Bobbie Vote was born and raised right here in Allegan. She was blessed to be raised in a Christian home, the oldest of two girls.  From infancy, she attended Merson Church, an independent Bible church, that focused on the Word of God, children, and missions. Her parents also emphasized missions through stories and guests in their home. At the age of 8-years-old, Bobbie knew she would be a missionary.

After graduating from the Allegan High School, God led Bobbie to Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana, where she majored in Elementary Education. She taught third grade for two years in a private Christian school and then spent four-years as a substitute teacher in area public schools. 

It was then, due to a health issue, that God changed the direction of her life. While she questioned what God was thinking by giving her a job in accounting (telling Him she wasn’t fond of math!) and later running an office, she discovered other talents that He had given her. It also gave her the experiences she needed in computers and record-keeping that she would need for the next path He had for her.

One day, her sister told her that CEF of Allegan County didn’t have a director and that she should do it. Bobbie laughed. Yet, God continued to ask, “Will you do this?” She made a call and was told that directors need to teach children and adults and run the office. She immediately said, “Yes, Lord.”

Bobbie has been the Local Director in Allegan County since October 2003. She absolutely loves telling the boys and girls stories from God’s Word, seeing eyes that light up with understanding, and enjoying waist-high hugs!

Our Office Assistant

Sarah Sytsma is from Lake Odessa, Michigan. She grew up in a Christian home, the third of four children. She attended a large Baptist church growing up before moving to a small country Baptist church while in high school. She enjoyed participating in VBS in the summer and attending “Wonderful Wednesday’s” during the school year. Her maternal grandfather was a missionary carpenter and strong man of God, and he had a significant impact on her spiritual life. Sarah accepted Christ as her personal Savior at 8-years-old after discussing salvation with her mom.

While attending her first year of college for pursing a career in animal care, God gave Sarah a desire to serve Him. She was unsure of how she could do this, so reached out to her pastor back home. He suggested she contact the local CEF missionary about teaching 5-Day Clubs for the summer. She attended Christian Youth in Action (CYIA) for the first time in 2012. Since then, Sarah has been involved in various aspects of the ministry, including graduating from Children’s Ministries Institute at the CEF Headquarters.

After her area chapter closed, Sarah got a job in animal care, eventually moving to the Allegan area. With her knowledge and experience of CEF, she began volunteering her time helping Bobbie (whom she met at CYIA). When the need for a new office assistant arose, Sarah was a perfect fit.

She currently lives with her husband Josiah and their houseful of pets.