Mike Massey has parlayed a hobby in jam-making into a ministry that is blessing thousands of people.
For the past three years, the retired engineer from Decatur has given almost 11,000 jars of his homemade fruit jams to customers of the Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry, a Christian organization providing food for people in need in Lawrenceville and Dacula.
His jams are set-aside goodies called “above and beyond” because getting something homemade and made with love is a treat. It’s also entirely unexpected for many families who come for pantry staples when between jobs or trying to stretch their grocery budget.
“To have homemade jam is just something,” said the co-op’s executive director, Tom Balog.
For Massey, jam-making is his mission and ministry. For each 1,000th jar, Massey would typically include a $20 bill on top. He wrapped the 10,000th jar like a present and included a personal note along with a gift card.
“I truly hope my jar of jam brings a little sunshine into these people’s lives, who are otherwise dealing with very stressful situations,” he said.
Massey discovered his fascination with jams and jellies early in life. Homemade guava jelly was a childhood staple his mother and grandmother made when growing up in South Miami.
“I would see (mom) making jellies and jams, and I think I remember helping her when I got a little older. Somewhere along the line, I got inspired to try and make them myself,” he said.
