Remember Zach Hunter? He’s the 15-year-old abolitionist who appeared on Breakaway’s March 2007 cover. Through his ministry, Loose Change to Loosen Chains, Zach is working to end modern-day slavery. That’s right: There are an estimated 27 million slaves around the world today. Zach believes God has called him to change that, and his efforts are taking him around the nation to speak about bringing justice to those who are enslaved.
In the coming months, Zach will be writing for your favorite mag—one Breakaway guy to his fellow readers. Come back to breakawaymag.com to read about this world-changer’s travels, opportunities and, most important, lessons God is teaching him.
Take it away, Zach. . . .
I'm in sunny L.A. today. Man, the sky is big here! Tonight I'm speaking to some student leaders who are trying to live out their purpose in life, and I'm stoked about that. I've got a pretty sore throat and haven't been sleeping much lately, but knowing that God has plans for tonight is a great motivator. In my blogs, I'll share with you some stuff that's been going on in my life and about some of the places and people I get the privilege of seeing. I hope it will be an encouragement to you, and I look forward to meeting many of you while I'm on the road.
In July, I took a trip to Colorado and invited six guys from Georgia to go with me. These are all great brothers in Christ. I was really looking forward to hanging out with them and getting to know more about their journeys with God. [Read about the Dry Tears guys in Breakaway’s December issue.]
After the hassle of connecting with everyone in the airport, finding our luggage and getting a rental car, we took off to one of my favorite restaurants when I used to live in Colorado: Tokyo Joe’s. After ordering food, we sat down and continued theological conversations that we had started in the car on the way to the restaurant. I know this may sound weird, but we actually talked a lot about what we believed and how or if we could back it up with the Bible. I'm sure most adults don't think teen guys spend much time thinking about or talking about this kind of stuff. But it was cool to be able to be open with this group of guys about what I believe and to listen to what they're discovering through God's Word.
But here's something I find too often when people talk about theology, the study of God’s nature and religious truth: We often say "I believe that . . ." without backing it up with Scripture. It’s like we aren't sure why we believe something or maybe haven't explored the Bible's teaching about what we believe. I'm feeling convicted that I need to talk less about what I believe if I don't have Scripture to back it up. If I expect people who aren't Jesus-followers to listen to what I have to say, I'd better know why I believe and be able to support it.
Anyway, back to the brothers and Colorado. It's really encouraging to be with a group of guys who are seeking God—especially guys who are willing to lay themselves out there in order to grow. It makes me feel not so alone and gives me the courage to make hard decisions for God in my everyday life. It's easier to walk a hard road when you don't have to do it alone. As it says in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!”
Until next time . . . 
