Carlisle Sutton

Sutton received an AS in natural science from Andrews University in 1990. He graduated with BS in Medical Laboratory Technology from Northern Carribean University in 1995.  In 2017, he returned to Andrews and graduated with an MSCID in community & international development and an MDIV in 2017. He is currently the director for Community Engagement Integration & Service.

What are you involved with that allows you to change the world around you?

I am involved with the Human Empowerment Life Project (H.E.L.P.). This project is designed to provide an opportunity for Andrews University volunteers to support students and teachers in an urban school district. We seek to improve the climate and culture in these classrooms through mentoring relations with our Andrews University students, faculty and staff. While the programs range from reading-comprehension sessions, math tutoring or social studies discussions, each session says the same thing, “I see you and you matter.” Our work is designed to provide children with the opportunities they need to succeed. In addressing these real social issues we recognize the needs, struggles and aspirations of others and we too are changed and become better equipped to handle difficult situations.

I began the H.E.L.P. project in 2015 when I was still a seminary student. Since then it has been constantly monitored and evaluated so that we can continue to develop the initial program and expand into new areas to address the needs and expectations of our partners and stakeholders. We are currently working with students from Grades 10–12 in the Benton Harbor area schools to teach literacy, math and values. I am hoping that as we engage in these programs we will be changed and truly see people. As God opens our eyes, ears and hearts, I believe the community will recognize the image of Jesus in us as we demonstrate His love for them.

How did you get into this work/activity/project/etc.?

I am daily convicted that none of us deserve God’s love and attention. He stopped to pay attention to me, and he willingly paid the ultimate price to help me. If I say I love him, how can I withhold assistance from those who he also loves that are close to me and need help. With this in mind, when I learned of the very low academic outcomes in Benton Harbor area schools I felt that Andrews University was obligated to provide support to see those children succeed. The encouragement to actually make H.E.L.P a reality came from multiple sources. For one, I believe the idea for the program came from God in response to prayer. Knowing that this is His program and seeing how He provides the resources to execute this program keeps me motivated. Having friends join and help develop it has also been very encouraging. In addition, as we developed the program the Andrews students, many of whom I did not know, who responded to the call to join H.E.L.P. and who would come out week after week to pour love, affirmation and time into these kids has been wonderful. Probably the most significant encouragement comes from the teachers and elementary school students who cheered “Andrews is here!” each week when we entered their classrooms.

How have you been changed by this?

I now have a much deeper faith in God. I have seen so many miracles and seen the “Red Sea” part for us many times for us to continue to do this work. I am more patient now as I have learned the impact of trauma and the need for positive relationships and safe places for children to learn and grow. I am also more knowledgeable as I have come to see children’s bad behavior as cries for attention. I have also felt the love of God much more intently as I see how broken we all are and I appreciate how much love it must take for a holy God to condescend to touch us. I am also more grateful for the tangible and intangible blessings, positive life experiences and opportunities to serve.

How have you changed others?

I believe we all influence those around us to respond with love or to do nothing. Christians ought to be the biggest defenders of the weak and the disadvantaged. If we are silent, it makes our claim a lie. Through H.E.L.P. I have seen children smile, classrooms become engaged learning environments and Andrews University become a positive phrase in an urban community. I believe we are learning to listen and that each project does have some measurable impact. Ultimately, we will only see the full result in the years to come and in eternity.