Ministry

Colby Sutter has been blessed. Through his teachings he has had the opportunity to minister to hundreds of adults and youth through his sermons, and ministry at church events and conferences. Mr. Sutter has led various youth groups and missions activities through his local church and with Syracuse based organizations such as the the Rescue Mission and Teen Challenge. As a bible study leader, he has drawn people get closer to God while imparting strategies to help individuals become free from the bondage of this world. Of special interest to Colby, is ministering to those impacted by drugs and addiction. His professional experience as well as his Criminal Justice degree greatly contribute to his proficiency with this topic. Professionally and personally, Colby has researched the dangers of addiction, producing papers and providing documentation that has been cited by local media. His years spent working in juvenile justice and correctional institutions have softened his heart to those impacted by this epidemic. Furthermore, Colby has spent a great deal of time as a facilitator for those enrolled in a certified training program to become Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselors. Mr. Sutter's attention to detail and commitment to accuracy have helped him achieve a library of trainings, sermons and resources that he has personally developed to provide drug education and awareness. Notwithstanding, his personal life has also added tremendously to his knowledge of the subject matter. Mr. Sutter knows all to well the perils of addiction and the inner workings of the street life and crime culture. It is this unique perspective that allows Colby to so genuinely impact the lives of those he meets. He doesn't just have appropriate statistics and language, he has firsthand experience. He has seen people become slaves to a drug; in some ways he may have even helped. But to the glory of God, his encounter with Christ enables and drives him to set captives free. It's not a slogan for Colby, it's a calling.

My Testimony

My personal story of abuse, fighting, drugs, crime, thoughts and attempted suicide, helplessness, death, coupled with Scriptures and a message on how to let Christ set you free, are my tools. Main focus is how image and choices in life can either cause you to succeed or fail. Also, you can't just know that something is wrong with your lifestyle or self-image, you need to know the necessary steps to make it right and how to change your image and how to make right; Godly choices.

Sermons

Certain topics, which I believe directly impact the ability individuals have to be set free that I like to teach; deal with faith, finding joy in suffering, self-image, forgiveness, emptiness to completion, and suicide.

One thing I have noticed throughout my career, is that churches do not offer drug education for youth. I feel this is extremely important. Every teen is touched by drugs in one way or another. I want to bring the wisdom I've shared with the world, into the churches. I want to have a open discussion with young people about the dangers of drugs, why you choose to do drugs, the consequences, and what I have seen and experienced in my life and through my years of being a drug educator. I believe with all my heart, that we are in a war with drugs; a war that is killing our youth and I want to fight back. Young people need other options, they need a safe space to talk openly about this topic. In order to get to the root of the problems they are facing that may lead to drug abuse, they need to be able to ask questions and voice their concerns without fear of being judged. I want to take this a step further than I did at the schools because in the church, I can incorporate Jesus. I can also give the youth tools to use instead of drugs, such as the power of positive thinking, goal setting, choices, powerful "I am" statements, and most importantly the Word of God.

Immediately after any workshop I present to young people, I would like to meet with parents. This will provide a similar opportunity to have a open discussion about drugs and to give them a brief education on drugs specific to their geographic location, schools, churches, and communities. At this time I'll also discuss warning signs on what to look for and what to do if their youth or his or her friend is on drugs. Other topics will include: Why youth do drugs in the first place this part would bring the youth perspective and comes from years and years of talking to youth and just asking them why?).