nlcs624543c3f42836f5dba2ae4e9565aac1a694559f839311e635191cb76253d52a

New Life Christian School Prepares for Annual Mission Trip to Africa

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 02:27:26 GMT

What has become a cherished legacy of service at New Life Christian School is once again producing a whirlwind of activity and results, as a team of staff and students, led by longtime team leader Dr. Sarah Hutter, makes final preparations to write another chapter in this meaningful story.

For over three decades, it has been our privilege to live out a portion of Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 25 by going to “the least of these.” Originally, we partnered with Youth With A Mission to serve among some of the neediest communities in Northeast Brazil. Through that experience, our eyes were opened to the great needs and challenges in our world, and our hearts were opened as we met and responded to each child by name.

Circumstances have changed our destination, but our mission remains the same. Internationally, we are now working with the Basco School and Orphanage in Africa. Nationally, we continue our partnership with Samaritan’s Purse, responding to disasters here at home.

A vital part of each mission trip is bringing new clothes and shoes for every staff member, student, and younger child. We also provide additional support by purchasing food locally and participating in much-needed infrastructure projects through both our labor and our financial support. We are deeply grateful to all who have contributed to this ongoing effort.

Just as important is the opportunity to encourage the staff and simply spend time with the children—tutoring them, playing with them, listening to them, and encouraging them. The remarkable outcome of each trip is that, after the inevitable tear-filled goodbyes, we find ourselves equally encouraged by renewed and new friendships, eager to return as soon as possible and write yet another chapter in this legacy of service.

Part of that legacy is our pattern of earning the money to go, and we want to thank the local businesses that have extended themselves to support that effort. We also want to thank the community at large for your support through our many fundraisers.

Now, as we are in final packing mode, trying to use every pound of allowed suitcase space as profitably as possible, we are eagerly anticipating next Monday, when we hope to depart from Washington Dulles Airport, travel through Accra, Ghana, and make our way to what has become our home away from home: the Basco School and Orphanage, deep in a rural setting.

For the first-timers, even the ride to Basco is an adventure, but that quickly fades as we are reunited with more than 140 wildly excited children, immersed for the next three weeks in a sea of celebration.

THE NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL GIRLS’ BASKETBALL TEAM RECORDS ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON!

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 03:54:17 GMT

The New Life Christian School 2025/26 girls’ basketball season was one of overcoming the challenges of youth and inexperience. Following last year’s most successful season in our history, which culminated in the Small School Division NCSAA Invitational Championship, everyone realized that this season would be an uphill struggle. Returning only one starter from that unprecedented 2024/25 team would necessitate our roster to be filled with young girls with mostly limited basketball experience. Fortunately, the one returning starter was veteran point-guard and high scorer, Marci Hutter. Without a cohesive, experienced cast of teammates around her, Marci’s resume was expanded to assume a more extensive role as leader, mentor, and encourager to her new teammates with inspiring results.

This year’s team finished with an impressive record of 16-1, including wins over some perennial excellent teams. The culmination of the season was a highly contested, nail-biter championship game over the Rochester Rapids, 58-52, leading to the Greater Finger Lakes Christian Athletic Association Girls’ Playoff Championship, which also secured all-star team honors for Marci, and teammates, Naa Shormeh Hanson-Nortey and Lovelina Obeng. The teams’ hard work and perseverance paid off in a triumphant finish to the season.

New Life Has An Outstanding Basketball Season

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 01:55:04 GMT

New Life Christian School's girls basketball team capped off an incredible 18-2 season by winning the National Christian School Athletic Association (NCSAA) Division Three Championship. Their journey included victories over public, private, and home-school teams, as well as securing the Greater Finger Lakes Christian Athletic Association (GFLCAA) title.

Marci Hutter earned both in-season and tournament MVP honors, leading the team through tough matchups. Their hard work and resilience paid off in a thrilling finish to the season.

"I cannot express how proud I am of our girls! They are a force to be reckoned with!" said Aaron Childs, one of the teachers at New Life.

The boys also performed exceptionally well, finishing their season at 18-10 and capturing the IAC title!
In addition, Nii Narku made it to the prestigious Big 30 and will be competing in it this weekend, adding another highlight to the school's outstanding athletic achievements.

Congratulations to the team on their remarkable achievements!

New Life Christian School Joins With Samaritans Purse in Swannanoa, NC to Help With Hurricane Relief

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 03:00:36 GMT

Students, teachers, and alumni join forces to aid hurricane-ravaged communities, bringing hope and hands-on help to those in need

Loading into 3 cars with muck boots, work gloves, and water bottles in hand 16 New Life Christian School teachers, students, and alumni headed to link arms with Samaritans Purse to work in some of the areas hardest hit by hurricane Helene. The group left in the late morning on the 11th and arrived late that night in Shelby, NC, their base camp. They would travel about an hour and a half each way every day in and out of the worksite. After a few hours of sleep, they would get up, headed for the worksite.

The task of getting to the site was unique as roads were closed due to bridges being washed away, trees being all knocked down, houses being washed across roads and mud/sand just burying whole roads and even towns. Upon arrival at the worksite, the group was assigned a variety of jobs. These tasks included: mudding out homes, tearing out wet drywall, ripping out wet insulation from under trailers and inside walls,clearing out tons of debris, shoveling mud from the outside and inside walls of homes, emptying homes of all wet items including walls and floors. The group would work until about 5 each day and then head back to their base camp and usually arrive about 6:30 each night. Here they were blessed with accommodations through the networking of the body of Christ and one of our graduates' families. The group was housed by Mr. And Mrs. Voss and their wonderful friends. They returned to home base each day, physically drained and emotionally worn out to be greeted by the delightful aroma of a warm dinner provided by the Voss Family and their church.

The group traveled back on Wednesday, October 16th. Dr. Sarah Hutter reflected on their time and said, “I am honored to have been able to serve alongside these young people. They loved the person in front of them well, as Jesus would, they worked with all of their hearts as unto the Lord, and they blessed all who came in contact with them. They are true heroes. My heart, however, is burdened, the devastation is so significant that I cannot stop thinking of the suffering. It is getting cold. These people still have water all through their homes, the towns are still covered in mud, there is no electricity, many roads and bridges are out, there is no running water--- it is a war zone. The church of the United States needs to unite and help these people! I worked in the relief efforts after hurricane Sandy, and I do not think this can compare--- I have never seen --- not even in a movie ---something of this magnitude. I am very encouraged by the fantastic work of Samaritans Purse--- a wonderful organization that is making a difference in these people’s lives.“

Senior Student Nii Narku Hanson-Nortey said, ”I will never forget the disorder I saw in those four days. The thick dust in the air, the very unpleasant smell, collapsed buildings, random debris everywhere, buildings covered in “mud”, wires twisted and down everywhere, cars flipped in unimaginable orientations in places you never knew a car could go hanging from telephone poles or buildings, train cars on tops of buildings. The

area was a disaster beyond words. Yet in the disorder, the inhabitants whose lives were literally uprooted remained strong, there was unity among people, helping each other with the little they did have. There was a true sense of community within the area we worked. We went in as strangers wanting to help in the little way we could, removing wet drywall, insulation, mudding out houses and so on, and seeing how this moved the

affected people really spoke to me. People were so thankful they truly embraced our group and were blessed by the fact that young teenage kids would take their fall break to come help people in need. I was touched to hear, on many occasions, from the mouths of these people that they were encouraged by us and that we gave them hope in the next generation. Through them I truly got to understand where the gift in giving

really comes from. My passion to serve has increased.”

Emmanuel Botchway, sophomore at NLCS said, “I am amazed seeing the number of people from all different age brackets coming together for one purpose… to serve and help those in need. It is powerful to see love in action.”

Junior Student Daryl Ekeha said, “I was moved by the number of people willing to volunteer yet my heart is burdened by the seemingly insurmountable amount of work to be done. I am thankful to have been a tiny droplet of help in an ocean of need. I hope to do more!”

New Life Students and Staff Raise Funds for BASCO Orphanage After Devastating Fire in Ghana

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 03:36:02 GMT

Students and staff of New Life are excited about the accomplishment of making and selling corn bags with which they raised all of the needed money for the BASCO children's home in Ghana, West Africa after a fire destroyed the kitchen roof, cooking equipment and utensils. Thankfully, there were no injuries.

The Ghana team wanted very much to help in a tangible way. This is the children's home where our team spends time helping, teaching, and loving children during their "Ghana trips." Please pray for our friends at BASCO as they rebuild and thank God for His protection and His provision.

Heartfelt Goodbyes and Lasting Memories: Our Journey with BASCO

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 15:57:22 GMT

After a long journey filled with one-of-a-kind experiences and life changing relations, our Ghana team has made it back home at last. Undoubtedly, many of us had never felt such a bittersweet goodbye in our lifetime. Our arrival at BASCO was one of warmth and beautiful connection which was the foundation of 3 weeks of powerful cross cultural learning and pure delight.

As we traveled the narrow dirt path that was called a road into the BASCO village on the outskirts of Suhum, some among our team feared our trotro was going to flip as the van had to traverse ditches and the floor of the van scraped violently along the road. However, somehow the driver managed to get us to our BASCO home. Upon arrival there were numerous beautiful faces, with bright eyes and smiles, to greet us. Some

were familiar to our Principal and to one of our teachers who had been there before, but most were new faces. Joyful faces… faces waiting expectantly for someone to play with them, someone to chat with them, someone to have an interest in their daily life…. These were the faces of the ones we came to so dearly love--- these are our BASCO friends, our family!

Within a short time of our arrival games were being played--- circles were made while the children taught us their favorite games. Even though we did not know the names of many of them, their laughter and joyful personalities barricaded the trivial barriers of language and any sense of shyness. Over the next few days, friendships, long talks about life experiences, dreams, and so much more were beginning to take place among some of the older students--- the development of these strong bonds are held dearly in our

hearts and are cherished memories we will never loose.

Nonetheless, New Life didn’t travel to Ghana only for the sake of friendship. It was time for us to give of ourselves and to help teach, to take our God given opportunity and form it into something to benefit our friends. Witnessing the gaps in education, not by choice but by circumstance, pulled at the hearts of our team. This fact alone inspired many of our students and teachers to fully put their hearts and strength into each

school day so that the takeaway for the children would be enduring. Our mission was to exemplify a new kind of teaching: a kind of teaching where the immense hunger for knowledge would be satisfied: a kind of teaching were each child would be encouraged to pursue education to his or her fullest potential, to understand that individual actions can affect ones community in enormous ways, and that every person has been created

with a purpose in God’s almighty image.

We were so excited to see the students soaking up science!! They loved learning and we loved teaching! They loved math and we loved teaching! We had a blast and they did too! We were thankful for the teachers to allow us in the classroom and for the administration to allow us the opportunity to tutor and make learning fun and different for a few weeks.

However, not all learning was in the classroom! As it happens, something so casual--- such as playing volleyball --- can be a learning tool! Sports is always a test of honesty and sportsmanship--- inclusion of the younger ones--- and he hope we were able to teach lessons on the court as well as in the classroom.

Yet, when we traveled across the ocean we went with open minds knowing we were going to learn as much as we taught--- and we sure did! The BASCO and village kids weren’t the only one’s learning. Many of us on the team had never seen or been remotely close to a life such as this. From pumping water for bucket showers, long and intense sessions for worship and prayer, excited dancing, new food, harsh weather, bug bites and other frightening creatures, washing clothes by hand, to listening to languages we don’t understand, many valuable lessons were absorbed from these experiences. One big life lesson to be taken from this experience is that joy is not about what you have it is about your state of mind. Jesus says we should have joy and have it abundantly and those in BASCO have that joy although they do not have things. Do not chase the things--- chase the One who has and created all things. Keep it simple—He is the Joy!

We look forward to returning to BASCO in 2025--- God willing--- May God help us as we seek to raise the funds. All donations to help us man be sent to New Life Christian School P.O. Box 102 Olean, NY 14760.

New Life Christian School is Headed for Three Weeks of Service in Ghana, Africa

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 23:08:12 GMT

Spreading Joy, Sharing Love: New Life Christian School's Mission in Ghana

COVID destroyed New Life’s planned service trip to Ghana, Africa, in March of 2020. Since then it has been a dream that has not really been

a reality until students and staff really pushed this last year to bring this service trip back to life. Thirteen of our high-school students and two

staff will be leaving for Ghana on March 27th for just over three weeks of service and cultural diversity experiences. “We will be headed to

BASCO children’s home and we are thrilled.” Student Council President Nii Narku Hanson-Nortey stated, “The idea of my classmates going to

my homeland and working among, living with, serving, and loving my people is such a rewarding experiences for me to be a part of. I have so

enjoyed working to coordinate and participate in aspect of this trip; from car washes, to hot lunches, to spaghetti dinners, to shopping for

the best ticket prices, to figuring out how many pinatas we need for the party for the children. Every moment has been rewarding. I cannot wait

to see my friends from school here get to feel, know, and enjoy my culture as I have gotten to do the same as a student at New Life. I am

grateful for their enthusiasm and commitment toward this mission and ultimately the love for my people.”

Fellow student Kadience Hanies stated, “I can’t imagine a more exciting way to spend my Easter holiday. To be able to finally see the home

country of the good friends I have made throughout my years at New Life is truly a gift from God. The opportunity to be immersed in the

culture of my good friends is a blessing like no other. Our team at New Life has put so much effort into the preparations for this trip with

numerous fundraisers, and I fully trust that God will reward our efforts with the greatest gift of all, by the joy that we can give and share with

the children at BASCO.”

Through the hard work of the students and teachers traveling, and the generosity of many friends of New Life the team will travel to the

Baptist Complex Orphanage (BASCO) from March 27th until April 18th. During this time our students and teachers will spend the days tutoring

students, painting, cooking, cleaning, dancing, singing praises, playing soccer, volleyball, and many other games and activities with the

children of BASCO.

To end our stay we also plan on hosting a celebration for the children where we will share lots of gifts and play many party games to

celebrate the end of our time spent together. We are bringing every child a new pair of sneakers and a new set of clothing that we will give

them at this event. We are also brining pinatas and planning lots ofparty games. This will be a blast. We want to leave the children on a

day of happiness and laughter! Each and every one of our students attending this trip hopes to show these children true love and bring joy!

We hope that the New Life students will find transformative value in seeing and interacting with others from less fortunate circumstances

and ultimately grow in their walk with Christ Jesus. By the creation of bonds and friendships, newfound joy is brought to the faces of every

person as the love of Christ is put into action.

Promoted to Glory – Jonathan R. Alder

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 21:04:17 GMT

Remembering the Legacy of Jonathan R. Alder: A Tribute to a Dedicated Educator and Visionary Leader

It is with a heavy heart that we were greeted this morning by these words from Bonnie,” Jon went home to be with Jesus this morning. He slipped into heaven peacefully”.

As two of New Life Christian School’s founders, and decades long members of our Board of Directors, Jon and Bonnie Alder not only offered scope and vision for what lay ahead for New Life, but worked tirelessly to accomplish that mission. Naturally, each brought his own strengths and giftings, but always with the dedication and unity of purpose that has marked their marriage of half- a -century.

Those early days were filled with unknowns, wonderfully addressed by Jon’s seemingly never ending encouragements and willingness to dive into whatever the task set before him. For years Jon “made time” to teach a variety of history classes, either after working in his regular job, which required him to work the undesirable night shift, or teaching classes later in the day before he went to work. Never complaining, virtually always prepared, and though often tired, excited to pass on his interest and insights to the students he so enjoyed. Little did any of us know then that these times would act as a sort of launching pad for Jon to more fully exercise his gift of teaching full-time for the rest of his life,

after the family’s move to North Carolina.

“Mr. Alder” was that guy who was always rooting for you irrespective of the odds. Brightness, fun, and creativity would be just a glimpse of the legacy that Jon left for his family here at New Life Christian School. Reality would dictate that our far greater, more impactful remembrances of

Jon were his generosity, gentleness, humility, and compassion, always clothed in that wonderful kindness that was Jon Alder.

Thank you, Jon, until we meet again!

A Day of Generosity: Join NLCS on Giving Tuesday to Impact Lives

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 22:36:55 GMT

As Giving Tuesday approaches, we are filled with anticipation and hope for the opportunity to further our mission at NLCS. Giving Tuesday is more than just a day; it's a global movement that invites us to come together and make a meaningful impact. It encourages radical generosity, fostering a culture of philanthropy and altruism. It supports various causes globally, empowering nonprofits to drive positive change. This day unites diverse communities, transcending boundaries and promoting collective impact toward meaningful social causes.

At NLCS, we are dedicated to providing quality private, Christian education. To continue our efforts and ensure that our mission thrives, we seek the support of our cherished community. We invite individuals who have connections with our school or are passionate about philanthropy to join us in this noble cause.

Supporting NLCS can be as simple as sending a check or using the PayPal option on our website to make a donation. Your generosity will directly contribute to our ongoing efforts in providing exceptional education rooted in Christian values.

If you're willing to lend your support through these calls or have any inquiries, please reach out to us. Together, let's make this Giving Tuesday a remarkable day of unity and generosity as we continue to nurture the future leaders of our community.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to be a part of something truly impactful.

22nd New Life Christian School Auction

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 01:57:22 GMT

An Evening of Fundraising, Fine Dining, and Friendly Bidding to Support Education and Encouragement

The 22nd annual New Life Benefit Auction is just around the corner! It will be held on Saturday, November 11th here at New Life and will include a silent auction, delicious roast beef dinner plus dessert, and a live auction presented by locally famous auctioneer Richard Mason. There will be well over 300 auction items available throughout the evening, as well as a variety of raffle items. Tickets are sold on a pre-sale basis and cost $25.00 for one person and $40.00 for two. Your ticket is in the form of an auction catalog that lists the items and that has your bid number written on the back, to use throughout the evening. Come and join us in supporting the work of education, encouragement, and nurture of our wonderful student body! For tickets call 716-372-1987 and join us at 5:30 for a wonderful evening!

Honors For One of Our Own

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 18:05:16 GMT

Morris's Remarkable Journey: Celebrating His Five-Year Legacy at New Life Christian School

A noteworthy commencement from Penn State College of Medicine became a milestone in the life of Dr. Morris Kobena Taylor on May 13, 2023. After a five year career at New Life Christian School here in Olean, New York, where Morris excelled academically, embraced his various leadership roles on student council, loved athletics, and truly delighted in the time spent on his six international service trips, he graduated with multitudinous awards and scholarships in 2016. He continued his education at Messiah University, receiving with distinguished honors, a Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical engineering. While participating in the Honors Program and Honors Leadership Council, Morris’ engineering projects consisted of designing a point of care quantitative HIV detection device for a rural clinic in Zambia and working also on a Dr. Taylor’s all encompassing world view was in evidence at home as well, with Morris offering his time in assisting in several volunteer endeavors. Setting up an after-school mentoring program, working with free clinics, and serving in the South-Central PA Medical Reserve Corps made time-management skills a priority, as Morris also played on the Messiah Men’s Basketball team.

Upon graduation from Messiah, Morris was granted acceptance to an Accelerated Program for Family and Community Medicine at Penn State. He was one of four students chosen to participate in an extremely rigorous program allowing the recipient to finish in three years what is normally a daunting four-year program. With that accomplishment, Morris received his medical degree with honors in May of 2023.

Morris’ list of outstanding achievements resonates a hearty “WELL DONE”. However, our greatest joy is to delight in the man who Morris continues to become. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, “You are a letter written, read by all men.” DR TAYLOR IS AN INCREDIBLE READ.

Meet New Life Christian School's Graduate Class of 2023

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 03:43:09 GMT

Celebrating achievements and future pathways of our 2023 graduates.

New Life Christian School is honored to be sending out this class to impact the world. We are proud of our recent graduates, who are all continuing their studies. These student athletes worked hard throughout their tenure at NLCS to achieve their academic goals, continue their spiritual growth, show leadership skills to the student body around them, and make conscientious decisions that would direct their paths forward.

Brightleen Ngunyi is studying Electrical Engineering at Cedarville University in Ohio.

Gabriele Lima is studying Health Sciences at St Bonaventure University.

Nii Noi Hanson-Nortey is also studying at Cedarville University, majoring in Computer Engineering.

Sydney Brotka is studying Nursing at Jamestown Community College.

Three of the four graduates from 2023 were international students who overcame many obstacles to achieve not just an American education, but high honors while also taking college courses, maintaining an exemplary moral code, and participating in sports and other extracurriculars, helping with community outreach programs, and also taking on leadership roles such as student council and more, all while continuing to focus on their spiritual growth.

We are proud of all of our graduates and wish them well in their endeavors. Go light your world.

New Life Christian School Goes To Washington and Williamsburg, VA

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 17:35:34 GMT

A yearly tradition, New Life Christian School's student council raises funds to invest in ways to encourage fellowship among students. At the end of 2022/23's academic year, they headed to Washington and Williamsburg, VA to spend a week enjoying God's creation, learning more about the history of the United States of America, and honoring each other's accomplishments.

New Life Christian School Aims For 2024 Ghana Missions Trip

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 14:13:51 GMT

Due to COVID 19, New Life Christian School had no choice but to cancel all 2020 missions trip. After 4 years, NLCS hopes to make their return to Ghana, Africa.

New Life Christian School has plans to head back to Africa for a 3 week missions trip this spring of 2024, after it having to be postponed due to COVID safety measures.

NLCS Basketball Has Outstanding 2022/23 Season

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 14:13:49 GMT

New Life Christian School displays excellence in both boys' and girls' basketball seasons.

In an outstanding display of skill and teamwork, the boys' and girls' basketball teams at New Life Christian School showcased their talents throughout the 2022/23 season, participating in tournaments, conferences, and non-league games.

Their journey began in the Rick Hughes Tournament, where they were able to express perseverance and growth as teams. Later on the season, both advanced to the GFLCAA and IAC conference championships, securing victories that allowed them to cement their top contenders positions. Coincidently, both boys and girls were placed 2nd for the GFLCAA conference, and 1st headed to the IAC playoffs.

The teams displayed determination and skill facing their opponents for the IAC playoffs finals. The boys unfortunately came short while displaying an exciting battle against CCA. Although, the girls were able to secure the victory and crown the school's outstanding season.

New Life's basketball victorious season mirrors the school's spirit of hard work and dedication, which was displayed from all the athletes and an excellent coaching staff commanded by James and Sarah Hutter.

Student Life

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 02:02:12 GMT

New Life is a small Christian School, but their students come from all over the world.

New Life Christian School isn't your typical k-12 educational institution. Students at New Life understand that it takes dedication and hard work to achieve your goals. For that reason is why they propose international impact trips, and then do the work to make them happen.

More info coming soon..

New Life Christian School

Mon, 22 Apr 2019 07:19:32 GMT

New Life Christian School is small. It's intimate. And it's Christ-centered.

When it comes to finding alignment between one's educational journey and their faith, private education is a popular option.

New Life Christian School has been serving families in this capacity for nearly 4 decades. From providing scholarship opportunities to guiding families through the college admissions process, New Life relies on the generosity of it's donors in order to fulfill it's Kingdom Mandate.

New Life Partners with Cornerstone for Social Impact

Mon, 22 Apr 2019 07:15:11 GMT

New Life Christian School hosts students from all over the world. Including the Republic of Ghana.

Each year, a number of new Ghanaian students join our student body. Like the rest of our students, the ones from Ghana carry a delightful spirit within them.

All of our students indulge in opportunities to raise money for missions trips to places like Ghana and Brazil. For such fundraisers, students partake in a number of marketing and fundraising strategies designed to empower community leaders to achieve their objectives.

New Life Christian School has partnered with Cornerstone Ministries. Cornerstone is an organization that raises and deploys capital for faith-inspired ventures.

"New Life Christian School is permanently chartered by the New York State Board of Regents"