Zach Hunter - Generation Change. Roll Up Your Sleeves and Change the World

INVERT

YOUTH SPECIALTIES

GENERATION CHANGE: Roll Up Your Sleeves and Change the World
Copyright 2008 by Zach Hunter

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ePub Edition August 2009 ISBN: 978-0-310-86730-2

Youth Specialties resources, 300 S. Pierce St., El Cajon, CA 92020 are published by Zondervan, 5300 Patterson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49530.

ISBN 978-0-310-28515-1

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Cover design by SharpSeven Design

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Dedicated to Jesus,
who showed us how to
love the poor

Contents

I am always on the lookout for voices that will speak Gods heart to a new generation. Zach Hunter is one of those voices. I am so encouraged when I hear young people not only speaking to their own generation, but also seriously challenging those of us who have gone before them. Zach articulates a high-definition message about a hurting world, but he also encourages us by zooming in on stories about people, groups, and ideas that actually make a difference. Whats more, Zach helps us see that our battles arent just out there, they are also in heredeep in the chasms of our hearts. Thats why issues of justice and compassion arent add-ons for young Christians to consider. They are natural extensions of women and men who seek to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and to love as he loved. Generation Change challenges us to roll up our sleeves and open our hearts, and equips us to think creatively to make life better for those in desperate need.

Dr. Wess Stafford
President and CEO
Compassion International

I ve had the privilege of meeting and talking with some of the most amazing people in the world. Some are famousand others arent but should be. These people are artists, activists, businesspeople, ministers, politicians, and everyday folks. All of them have made an impact on my life and the lives of those in need. To me, they are all heroes. Some have remained unthanked in their quiet duties, but not anymore. I would like to thank:

My dad, my mom, and my brother, Nate. Thanks for putting up with me, encouraging me, and giving me a place where I can be myself. I love yall.

Im grateful for the people who continue to teach me about God and his love for this messy world. Jon Foremanfor helping shape my thinking about the intersection of art and faith, for illuminating the dignity of the poor, and for carving out time for me; Dr. Wess Stafford from Compassion Internationalfor teaching me that, in Gods view, the poor are royalty; Corey Carnillits a privilege to be able to tell your story; thanks for trusting me with it.

There are many people who have stuck their necks out and taken a chance on a kid like me, people who have given me a platform to share what Gods placed in my heart, and I owe all of you a huge debtamong others, you include Joel Houston, Paul and Andi Andrew, Brooke Fraser, JD, Phil Dooley and the whole Hillsong United gang, Steve Carter, Justin Mayo and Redeye Inc., Grace Neslon, John Ortberg, Jay Hein, and Jedd Medefind.

I also really appreciate the continued support of the Youth Specialties and Zondervan staffMark Oestricher, Jay Howver, David Welch, Roni Meek, Doug Davidson, Jeanne Stevens, and the rest of the crew. Thanks to Holly Sharp for a great cover design, and to Daley Hake for making everyone look so great in the photos! By the way, the cover shot is of real people: Christian Turner, Kendall White, Garrison Smith, Akil Mills, and Cory Rodgersthanks for participating!

To Leeland plural and Darryl LeCompte for being like the big brothers I never had, and the whole Mooring family for praying for and supporting me. Speaking of prayer, I am very aware that many of you reading this book have prayed for me and Im confident that through your prayers I have been encouraged and also protected from things I will never know of. Thank you. Thanks also to my prayer warriors, the Broas, Parva, Schulze, and Rehfeld families. Joel and Rachel Bennett (and Zion), thanks for great conversations and for putting up with me. Thanks also to Alex, Brett, and the Rebelutionaries for helping me see the advantages of rebelling against low expectations.

There are also a few people Ive had the privilege of meeting in the past year who are heroes who have inspired me by facing personal struggles with great courage. Thanks to Robyn Roberts (for her contagious confidence); Danilo, Minnie, and Daniel Broas for proving Gods goodness in the face of pain and illness; and Pat Padraja (keep going, little bro!)

Thanks to my church family at Grace Fellowship including Pastor Buddy, Randy Rainwater, Kenny Schmitt, and Aaron Keyes. I also want to thank the many youth pastors I have been able to meet this year who believe in Generation Change and have given themselves to see my generation become all God has planned for us.

And thanks to the many others who, by their creative work, advice, and the generous gift of your time have inspired me, including David Bean, Sara and Troy Groves, Dan Haseltine, Randy Alcorn, Stephen Christian, Darren Elder, and all the other artists who have made an impact in my life. Thanks also to Rich Van Pelt, Suzie Johnson, and the Compassion Family; Cheryl Noble from IJM; Kevin Bales, Peggy Callahan and Jolene Smith from Free the Slaves; and the many other people who have dedicated their lives to serving in the nonprofit world so others can have hope.

Theres joy in serving, andwe can often learn moreabout ourselves when weserve with friends. These aresome of my friends fromschool who have supportedmy LC2LC campaign andwho volunteer in manymissions projects at school.

Were too young to know thatsome things are impossible, so wewill do them anyway.

William Pitt in the film Amazing Grace

I m really glad you picked up this book. Its purpose is to shed a little light on some of the biggest problems facing our generation and to inspire people to find ways they can make a difference. Im only 16, and I dont pretend to be an expert on all these issues, but Im learning a lot about the work that needs to be done. If youre an adult reading this, you may think, Hes so naive. Well, youre probably rightbut I hope since Im still just a teenager, youll allow me to be naive for a little while longer.