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Teen Town
Hosts Author Jairus Hallums |
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"Teen writes
faith-based handbook for teens" By María Cortés González / El Paso Times Article Launched: 05/18/2007 01:34:07 AM MDT http://www.elpasotimes.com/search/ci_5925080 Accessed online May 23, 2007 Except for his age, there is little about Jairus Hallums that reflects a typical teenager. The 18-year-old is reflective in speech and looks for inspiration in authors such as T.D. Jakes, a well-known minister and entrepreneur. And he is outspoken about what he believes in, whether it's his Christian faith or waiting until marriage for sex. |
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| So it was
not surprising to people who know him that
Hallums will graduate May 27 from Maxine
Silva Health Magnet High School as a
published author. Still enjoying the
recent accomplishment, Hallums is the author
of "Forbidden to Fail," a
Christian-faith-based book aimed at his
peers. "He's just a very mature person, which is kind of out of the norm for his age group," said teacher Renee Flores, who had Hallums in her anatomy class last semester. "I was not surprised at all that he wrote the book. And I was very moved that he wrote it. I think it's something that kids need to read." Hallums, who said he's always been an avid reader, was inspired to write the book after reading the book "Communication, Sex and Money," as part of a male ministry group. "I thought some of the points were not just for men but for young people," he said. "There is so much moral decay, and moral standards have just been shattered. I want to help our youth develop into leaders and acknowledge their uniqueness. We all have special gifts and talents." Hallums said his book attempts to guide teens in the right direction in terms they can understand. For example, he talks about teens not needing "bling" to be happy. Hallums, who is a member of Destiny Christian Center, said it took about two years for him to write the book and then get it published by Xulon Press. "Once I started, I knew I was not going to stop until I finished it," said Hallums, who credits his parents and Christian upbringing for his solid foundation. Hallums plans to move to North Carolina this month with his parents, Barry and Karen Hallums, and his sister Mykela, 15, and to attend Furman University. But he is unsure about his future. "I've been praying on it for some time. É I'm going to see what else I can do with the gifts," he said. Whatever it is, Hallums said, he will pursue it full force because "tomorrow is not promised to anyone." |