who we are

After serving 19 years on church staff as both a student and lead pastor, Carl and his wife Peggi moved to Bluffton in 2007 responding to God's call to plant a church. Now the Growth Strategist for the Savannah River Baptist Association of Churches, Dr. Martin was called by the elders to lead the transitional process at New Life Church. Carl and Peggi have been married 43 years and are grandparents to their daughter and son-in-law's three children.

Rocky and Lisa Fox lead the student and children’s ministries at New Life Church. They have been married for 27 years and have two children, Rachel and Scotty. Rocky was born and raised in Bermuda where he accepted Jesus Christ into his life at the age of 19, and has served in youth ministry roles for over 20 years. Lisa is from Summit, New Jersey and received Christ at the age of 20. Lisa joined Rocky in serving the student ministry at New Life Church as well as overseeing the children’s ministry. They both have built their lives on their strong faith and putting God first.

Derek Hellstrom is Church Administrator for New Life Church.  He has lived in the Lowcountry since 2000 after relocating from Honolulu, Hawaii.  Derek began serving in leadership at New Life Church in  2010, and is an active member of the Praise and Worship team.

Freddie and his wife Yolanda have been married 45 years, raised two daughters, and have three grandchildren. Born and raised in New York City, both Freddie and Yolanda accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior at an early age. Freddie attended Seminary Bible Institute, where he began teaching the word in both English and Spanish. Upon retiring, they relocated to the low country in 2023 and have continued their commitment to share the Gospel. 

Andrew and Kaylin Calamaro lead the Life Group and Discipleship Ministries at New Life Church. They met while attending Bible College in Columbia, South Carolina. They have spent their lives serving in ministry in South Carolina, South Korea, Pennsylvania, as well as multiple mission trips around the world. Andrew and Kaylin have been married 32 years and have three married daughters.

William (Blake) and Nel Blakeslee lead the Hospitality Ministry at New Life Church where you can expect to be fed physically each Sunday morning before being fed spiritually. Blake was stationed in the Air Force on the Island of Guam where he met and married Nel in 1981. They have a daughter and two adopted sons. Blake and Nel retired and moved to the Lowcountry in 2021 following God's call to serve specifically at this church.