To understand our history is to understand a family.

Our story cannot be told without remembering the enduring legacy of Lloyd and Estelle Looper—a couple whose unwavering faith, compassion, and dedication to serving others shaped the foundation of the non-profit we run and operate today.

Lloyd and Estelle Looper devoted their lives to walking out the Gospel, not just in word but through action. With open hearts and open hands, they ministered to the broken, the forgotten, and the hurting. Their home, their time, and their resources were always available to those in need, and they modeled a kind of love that could only come from deep conviction and selfless grace.

Their legacy of compassion and faith did not end with them. It was carried forward powerfully by their five sons, each of whom have lived lives marked by servanthood and devotion to others. Today, we also honor the memory of Scott and Billy Looper, two beloved sons who have since passed. Their hearts for ministry, their presence, and their love will always be remembered by those that love them. The impact they made through their lives and service continues to be felt, and their spirits remain part of the foundation of our work.

Out of their obedience and commitment to serve, Channel Missions was born in 2016 through Jennifer Looper, who shared the vision and her heart to continue the family’s service with her cousin, Joe Looper. Together, an outreach driven by the belief that healing begins when someone is willing to care was born. This early work of hands-on ministry in the community and other communities across the US later in 2021 gave rise to The Hiding Place, a safe space and refuge for survivors of domestic violence. A survivor, Breann Griffin, was led to create a safe space for survivors after seeing that there were no resources in Pickens County for survivors of domestic violence. Her story was used to create a program that had never been seen in Pickens. Through the obedience and hearts of Founder, Jennifer Looper, and Breann Griffin, a vision became a lifeline for women and children in crisis—a place of safety, hope, and new beginnings. Jennifer and Breann are the Founders and Executive Directors of The Hiding Place and after two years of working under the umbrella of Channel Missions, The Hiding Place now stands on its own as a single non-profit organization. Serving hundreds of survivors since its start, The Hiding Place remains a beacon of hope within the Upstate of SC.

The Looper family’s legacy partnered with the heart to create resources in Pickens for survivors lives on in every survivor who finds hope through The Hiding Place. It continues in the hearts of those who carry their mission forward today, believing that love, compassion, and faith are still powerful forces for change.

We honor Lloyd and Estelle not only for what they built, but for why they built it—for the glory of God and the restoration of lives.

Their lives were a testimony.
Their legacy is our foundation.
Their love continues to shelter many.