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. . . .
My dad always says, "Life is a series of choices." You have to make choices every day. Some are small choices, like what to wear, what to eat and what to watch on TV. But some are big decisions, hard decisions about what is right and wrong. These can impact your life or the lives of others.
I had a decision to make last summer while I was in Chicago. I had been speaking at a youth retreat and then at a church. It was an awesome experience, and I made some great friends there. The day after I spoke, I could go to either a music festival to see my friends from the bands Leeland and Anberlin or home to rest up for my next speaking engagement. So there I was, facing a choice. On one side were endless fun and music (my favorite things!) and connecting with people who have been helpful in my ministry. On the other side was going home to rest up so I could give the people who were counting on me the following week what they needed and expected.
This was really tough because I really wanted to see my friends at the festival, but I also wanted to see my dad, who was at home. And my body and mind were pretty worn out from all the traveling. What would you have done? Well, I chose to go home. I decided that it would be best for everybody. Looking back, I think it was.
I struggle with another choice—one that I have to make every day: the choice to keep my mouth shut. I like to be funny. It's a great feeling when you can make people laugh, you know? I'm fairly quick-witted, so I mainly struggle with sarcasm. I've been sensing lately from God that sarcasm isn't beneficial for the building up of others. In fact, sarcasm often tears down. Sarcasm is what you use to have fun at someone else's expense. While it might be funny, and a sense of humor might be part of my personality, I need to make choices that are more appropriate for encouraging people.
One thing that's helping me make good choices, both little and big ones, is having people around me who care about my spiritual growth. God, through His Word, is one of those people. I also have peers and adults in my life who I can trust. God will often provide the wisdom we need through our asking someone we trust to keep us accountable and to give us advice.
I'll catch up with you guys soon. Off to grab something to eat. 
