Meet Zach Hunter - The Teenage Abolitionist
Fifteen-year-old Zach Hunter is just like any ordinary American kid. He likes listening to music, reading, and running after what he is passionate about. But already at the age of 12, he had a specific passion. It was to ‘be the change’ and abolish slavery, just as William Wilberforce did 200 years ago.
by Courtney Lee
Posted: Thursday, February 22, 2007, 8:16 (GMT)
Fifteen-year-old Zach Hunter is just like any ordinary American kid. He likes listening to music, reading, and running after what he is passionate about. By the age of 12, he had a specific passion. It was to ‘be the change’ and abolish slavery, just as William Wilberforce did 200 years ago. Having launched the ‘Loose Change to Loosen Chains’ programme in the seventh grade, Zach raised thousands of dollars with the intention of rescuing victims of slavery.
As the global student spokesperson for The Amazing Change, a social justice campaign launched in conjunction with motion picture Amazing Grace, Zach continues to encourage people to become modern day abolitionists, and to take after the steps of Wilberforce.
Who inspired you to be a modern day slave abolitionist?
I have a lot of heroes that inspired me. One of many is William Wilberforce who abolished the slave trade in the UK, and he was also a devout Christian.
What’s your involvement with the Amazing Change campaign?
I am the global youth spokesperson for the Amazing Change, which is inspired by William Wilberforce, and it aims to basically abolish slavery. What I do is go around and speak about modern day slavery to anyone who would listen.
Tell me about your new book Be the Change.
It’s geared towards teens and twenty-somethings, and it’s basically telling them - my generation - that we can still make a difference in the world. And I give examples of great people, even though most of them are dead, I give examples of great people who really changed things. And many of them were really young when they made an impact, like William Wilberforce.
And how was Amazing Grace Sunday? (18 February)
It was a pretty amazing experience. Probably millions of people around the world were singing the song “Amazing Grace”.
You must have had the opportunity to work with various people through the Amazing Change campaign.
There are a lot of great people I got to work with through the Amazing Change campaign. A lot of people whom I have admired. I also got to meet Randy Alcorn - the author. He’s really excited about this [issue] well.
What motivates you to keep going?
I just really ask myself if I would want to be treated like [the slaves]. If I were a slave, I would want someone to free me. That’s what this is all based upon.
So what lies ahead of you? Will you be touring?
Have your say on this article
The comments below are readers' personal opinions and are in no way intended to reflect the editorial opinion of Christian Today.
Added: Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 15:44 (BST)
I am reading Zachs' book to my middle school classes. I would like to see if he does any speaking engagements, so they can meet him, and listen to his testimony. I would like to know what he would charge if he does any speaking engagements.
Thank you
Lucy Dutton
Eagle's Nest Christian Academy
Lucy Dutton, Milton, DE United States
Added: Tuesday, August 12, 2008, 5:19 (BST)
Zach you are amazing I have never had the courage to do what you are doing. It is people like you that make a difference in the world and help others to realize whats going on. Some one once said if youre not appart of the solution your part of the problem. I am amazed at what youve done and if anyone has his email will you please send it to wlpdbmac@yahoo.com
alana, n/a
Added: Saturday, July 26, 2008, 17:27 (BST)
hey omg my friend told me about this cause we had to do a informational speech and she picked to do it on modern day slavery. i made fun of her as a joke but this is amazing so like i am right behind zach. ps- does anyone know if zach is lactose intolerant
Loreyn, Erie, Pa
Added: Sunday, July 13, 2008, 21:31 (BST)
Hiya, i am 15 years old and am so inspired by what Zach is doing. My life ambition is to make a difference in the world and i would love to help abolish the slave trade. God has already given me the awesome experience of going on a missions trip in The Philippines with my Mum last year to help to set up projects with the street and rubbish heap children. Since then i have wanted to more and more for the less fortunate people.
Recently i hired the Amazing Grace DVD. It was the best DVD i have ever watched! It really put something in me which made more passionate for justice. One day i would love to have the privilege to meet people like Zach. All the stuff he's been doing is absolutely amazing. Keep going Zach! God Bless!
Lucy Pengelly, Wales
Added: Saturday, June 7, 2008, 8:47 (BST)
Hi
I am a 16 hr old Christian and I want to make a difference... If anyone has Zach's email address please please please could you email it to me:
busy-bee_101@hotmail.com
Thanks
Debbie, South Africa
Added: Saturday, May 31, 2008, 0:23 (BST)
I was introduced to Zach at StudentLife@theBeach in Myrtle Beach, SC, in 2007. They showed many promotional videos, but it seemed like they really wanted to promote him the most. They told us of his book, "Be the Change," and I thought to myself, "Well, that looks like an interesting book." Little did I know, when I came across it almost a year later, that it would change my life.
I bought his book on sale for $4 at my local Christian bookstore. I was flipping through the clearance rack, and I stumbled across it. I remembered his mission in life, and I immediately when to the checkout counter. I started reading it the other day, and although I'm only on the third chapter, I am enthralled by his courage, his passion, and his determination.
I constantly read more and more about slavery and how huge of an issue it is. I also constantly see Isaiah 61:1-2a, which contains the phrase, "to set the captives free." I'm not sure what God is telling me by that - I'm gonna need to spend more time in prayer about that one. What I do know is that a passion to reach those in captivity is stirring within me. I am in hot pursuit of God's Will for my life, even though I have no clue where it will lead me.
Zach, you are amazing, and I can't believe how much the Lord has blessed you and used you for His Kingdom. Keep on keeping on for Him... stand strong, for the Lord goes before You - He shields your way.
Michael Matthews, Hartsville, SC, USA
Added: Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 0:48 (BST)
This stuff is so interesting. I just found out ab out this a couple of months ago and looked up a few statistics. It is AMAZING what many people don't know about slavery. Zach Hunter is my official new hero.
Sarah, Erie US
Added: Sunday, March 16, 2008, 16:54 (GMT)
I am eleven years old and i have always been interested in slavery. When I read the book Be The Change i was so inspired, I am in the middle of trying to make a campaign for slavery at my church. I don't know how to do it though, I have never had the experence. Thank you so much Zach. God Bless You!
Sunny Trebuna, La Grange, Kentucky, USA
Added: Tuesday, February 19, 2008, 3:17 (GMT)
Zach Hunter is officialy my hero!he is amazing!I didnt know slavery still existed until 6th grade.i wanted to do somthing about it but i thought"what can i 6th grader do about it?"
And then in 7th grade i heard about Zach.I was completely amazed by his work.I was even more amazed when i found out how close to my age he is!I am verry inspired by Zach!HE IS AMAZING
Hannah, Odessa,US
Added: Wednesday, January 16, 2008, 1:58 (GMT)
I get this magazine Ignite and I saw an article on Zach Hunter and the article was called what are you afraid of and it was how Zach had an anxiety disorder and talked about how he over came it. It was really cool to read because I also have an anxiety disorder and by the grace of God my anxiety is minimal. It was really good to read his article he inspired me with all of his work to abolish slavery. Zach Keep on doing what your doing
Melanie Murillo, San Diego California
Added: Saturday, December 29, 2007, 14:40 (GMT)
Hi
I am a 14 years old christian teen, who was really inspired by Zach Hunter.
I really want to make a differnece in the world too. If anyone knows the email address of zach hunter, send it to my email which is ecclasyas@yahoo.com. Zach Hunter u really inspired me, thank you
Ecclasyas, Saudi Arabia
Added: Friday, December 21, 2007, 23:40 (GMT)
I was just watching the 700 club and I saw Zach on it . I have never heard of him till now and i would like to reach him. What he wants to do is very big. Abolishing slavery i believe can not be done by one person. Zach Hunter said it doesnt matter what age you are you can still make a difference and I believe that.I would like to contribute as much as I can to this cause. So please email me and tell me how I can reach him.
Arielle Tolchin, west hurley ny
Added: Saturday, November 24, 2007, 2:00 (GMT)
I work with teens. I find Zach to be very encouraging. He is an example of what every teen can be. The only thing, I have been trying to get a hold of him so my teens can be apart of his campaign and it is very difficult. Can you help?
Betty Milholland, Olympia, WA
Added: Friday, November 9, 2007, 16:31 (GMT)
I as well would like to know how I could get in touch with Zach. I am growing in my passion to become an abolitionist. I read about how terrible the slavery in the world is and I break down and cry over it. I want to know how I can be more like Zach, and maybe get involved with The Amazing Change. Please email me at kirstielark49@yahoo.com if anyone can tell me a way that a seventeen year old can get involved.
Jessica, High Ridge, Mo USA
Added: Tuesday, November 6, 2007, 10:19 (GMT)
I am writing to you hoping that you can send me a contact address for Zach Hunter...I am organising a conference for students (aged 15/18 years old) who belong to the Global Issues Network (GIN). This conference will take place in March 2008, in Luxembourg .
On the lookout for inspirational speakers, I found out about Zach and his LC2LC and think that he would be a perfect speaker at this conference. On Zach's side, a visit to Europe could help him promote his ideas further...
Please let me know what I can do to get in touch with him.
Many thanks in anticipation
Valérie Isbecque
GIN coordinator at the International School of Luxembourg
Valérie Isbecque, Luxembourg
