From Roan Mountain to Elizabethton, John “Jet” Williams was able to promote a message of positivity to the future generation of Carter County.
Williams, a certified elite basketball trainer and former Harlem Globetrotter, spent Thursday morning at Cloudland Elementary but concluded the busy day at Elizabethton Parks & Recreation with his wife, Whitney, by offering a shootaround with area youth and sharing the story of 12 Ministries.
Founded in 2016 by John and Whitney, 12 Ministries is a fitness and training ministry, used to spread the Gospel of Christ by promoting health and wellness. John met Whitney, an accomplished hoops star at Montreat, and explained Thursday that they want to use the love of spreading the word of Christ and wellness to others across the country.
Whitney added the name of the organization holds a special meaning. During a presentation of the ministry, Whitney alluded to the fact the number 12 represents wholeness and completeness.
12 Ministries offers a variety of outreach projects, including mission trips in and out of the country, mentorship through training inner city and rural communities, sports clinics, fitness classes and clinics, youth rallies and church visits.
While delving into region events, the former Globetrotter added the ministry is active in traveling to the Philippines. John, along with others, suit up and go to the country to play for the Crossfire basketball team, which competes against professional Filipino squads and use the games as a way to promote positive values and the gospel.
John first visited the area a couple of weeks ago in conjunction with Miss Tennessee 2017 Caty Davis during a program sponsored by Carter County Drug Prevention Coalition. The duo spent two days visiting different schools to promote ethical values and hard work to students.
John spent the two days talking with students to promote wellness and the ABCs of life – action, bravery, and compassion. The former Globetrotter performed different tricks and interacted with students throughout the day, and even had a bit of a slam-dunk showcase for children at the Boys & Girls Club of Elizabethton/Carter County.
The Williams family added they’re always looking for opportunities to visit churches in the area. Community members can either donate to the ministry or schedule a church visit by going online to 12ministries.org or calling (919) 332-2248.