“Stay close to God, and He will guide your steps.” These are words of advice that have guided Elizabeth Loop’s (‘12) life, leading her to direct a beautiful ministry in Asheville known as Least of These Ministries that serves the homeless community in Asheville.
Elizabeth came to Montreat in the fall of 2008 from Jacksonville, Florida, with aspirations of becoming a youth minister. While in high school, she was very connected to her youth minister and wanted to serve youth similarly. Elizabeth’s college counselor helped her research schools that specifically had a youth ministry program and found Montreat. Elizabeth came on a tour and thought it was the “perfect place.” While at Montreat, Elizabeth had the opportunity to be a part of a homeless community immersion experience where, for a weekend, they lived as the homeless community does: sleeping outside, having to find food, and even enduring the treatment the community often endures. Walking away from the immersion, Elizabeth’s eyes were opened, and the Lord started to weave in her heart a compassion for the homeless community.
Later, one of Elizabeth’s friends invited her to serve at Least of These one Saturday morning, and she fell in love. Elizabeth began serving consistently and became heavily involved in the food preparation and inviting others to come serve with her. After having served for two years, the previous directors approached Elizabeth in 2011 about taking over, as it was evident how deeply she loved the ministry and the people they were serving. Elizabeth humbly accepted and has been blown away by God’s faithful guidance of her over the past fifteen years. Elizabeth was still in college when she took on the role, but God has walked with her daily, guiding her and helping her grow. Since beginning the director position, Elizabeth believes that she has grown in her communication and people skills while also deepening her faith.
Montreat equipped Elizabeth for this role in many ways, the first being simply opening the door. Least of These was started by Adam Ripley, while he was at Montreat College. The ministry continued to be interwoven with Montreat as John Ellington, who was a professor at Montreat, often served at Least of These, cooking the eggs for the hot breakfast. John served as a mentor to Elizabeth and was always willing to help her out. The youth ministry program helped Elizabeth learn leadership skills, and through many religious classes, she was able to dive deeply into texts. Elizabeth walks away with a deeper understanding of scripture and how to apply it.
Montreat also gifted Elizabeth with a great community. “Montreat does a great job fostering a beautiful community that lives life with you, and you grow alongside.” The community Elizabeth developed was one of the greatest gifts God gave her.
God has been abundantly faithful to Elizabeth in this adventure. “Ministry is hard, there are many highs and lows, but it is a gift to be God’s vessel and to know that He is going to take care of it all.” Least of These serves a hot breakfast to the homeless community every Saturday morning, rain or shine. They are also offered a bag of snacks, drinks, and warm clothing to help them get through the next week. “The homeless community often feels misunderstood. Serving with the Least of These is a chance to show them who Jesus is. Least of These has changed a lot over the last 21 years, but what has not changed is the mission and heart: to show these people Jesus.” Least of These is always looking for volunteers. If you are interested, please reach out to them via this email: lotministriesasheville@gmail.com. Elizabeth truly believes that if God had not led her to Montreat, which led her to Least of These, she is not sure what she would be doing or whether her life would be as fulfilling.