From Jams to Jesus

Whether moving from the Houston/Galveston area to Terrell, Texas, then returning home to Galveston, Stacey and John Winder always positioned God and their ministry at the forefront and have found the ideal way to include the community.

Amy Lane Gifts and Simple Pleasures, located at 2029 Strand Street, is the only Christian gift shop on the Strand. It is not only there for gifts, home goods, and motivational and inspirational products, but also serves as the Winder’s community ministry. The prayer room, located in the back of the store, is lined with walls of prayer requests left behind by locals and tourists.

“Last year alone we had 2,058 prayer requests. We pray over the requests every day”, said Stacey.

As the Winders continue to bless the community and their customers, they aim to continue pointing people to the way of God.

It all started back in Terrell when Stacey took up the hobby of canning jams.

“It became a time where I would talk with God and create the jams. It was a peaceful time for me to pray and reflect”, said Stacey.

The jams were a sensation in their town and quickly evolved into a profitable business that led to buying an existing gift storefront. Amy Lane Jams was coined after the name of the street where the Winder’s residence stood. Stacey always loved the name “Amy Lane” and utilized it for the jam brand name.

Once Covid hit and the Winders found themselves missing friends and family in the Galveston area, Amy Lane Jams made the move to the island and found an ideal location on the Strand. After two years, Amy Lane Gifts and Simple Pleasures held their official ribbon-cutting ceremony last month to celebrate the anniversary as well as moving beyond the adversities and changes of the pandemic.

“I often say, it went from jams to Jesus”, said Stacey, as she spoke of bringing on exclusive brands and local artists to fill the store, alongside her beloved jams.

Scentchips luxury wax melts are one of those exclusive brands. Scentchips is a well-known Texas brand that originated in San Antonio and is a favorite of many because of the variety of scents, the mix-and-match abilities at the Scentchip bar, and the unique designs of melters and other products.

Crosses, jewelry, wine glass sets, Christian T-shirts, and local artist-created items can also be found in the serene atmosphere of Amy Lane’s as customers are serenaded by Christian music and the love of the Lord.

The Winders are looking forward to partnering with additional churches and groups that want to host their open house with refreshments provided, profit sharing with the group for sales that night, and private shopping. Everyone is also welcome to visit, leave a prayer request, or even pick up a free bible.

Amy Lane is open Mon-Sat 10 am-6 pm.

Jesus, I Need You in My Life