Jairus was born in Tanzania to parents who ministered as national missionaries in a predominately Muslim location. Persecution became a regular part of the family’s life until one night ,while his parents were at a meeting, hatred took action when  neighbors set fire to the family’s home. Several weeks later, as the family sought to rebuild with sticks and mud, their home was again demolished by neighbors.

At school, Jairus’ good grades and faith made him a target. One day in 5th grade, he was confronted and attacked by a group of students carrying a knife and intent on killing him. He managed to escape but, instead of finding justice, he was expelled from school and refused a recommendation that would allow him to study at  another school. Jairus waited for 2 years before he was allowed to complete his elementary education in a different location. Connections with Christians opened a way for him to move to Uganda where he could attend high school at a private school. Unfortunately, all the strain took its toll on his father and he abandoned the family and the faith, leaving Jairus to fend for himself and all his needs. Heartbroken but undeterred, he worked slashing grass for the school on weekends and holidays in exchange for school fees. Hopes of a scholarship to pursue a degree in IT were dashed when his results from the national exam did not qualify him for any scholarships. Now in Launch Uganda, Jairus is full of hope for his future, a hope that flows out in his favorite pastime, songwriting. A song he wrote entitled , “ Never Lose your Hope” expresses the hope and joy so evident in his life.