“There is a missional assignment that happens later on in our lives,” she said. “Actually, it never really stops. Seeds are planted in our hearts, and they take root. And then we come alongside that vision and sow it in many different ways—wheth- er it is through our service or our enthusi- asm, in volunteerism or advocacy, or in our financial investment. We can be fruitful and impactful in this later season of life.” Wanda said residents play an active part in moving Shell Point’s vision forward. “They galvanize a vision, they work toward a unified mission, and they come together and make things happen,” she said. “That has been a blessing to me as a board member.” Leadership and Ministry Ministry has also been central to Wanda’s life. She served as co-pastor of Solid Rock Christian Center in Colorado Springs for 19 years with her husband, the Rev. Benjamin Anderson. Married since 1996, they have four daughters and 10 grandchil- dren. Ben is a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, giving Wanda a personal connection to military members, veterans, and their families. During their years at Solid Rock Christian Center, the Andersons looked for practical ways to serve the surrounding neighborhood, an under-resourced area of southeast Colorado Springs. They began with an after-school music and arts program for children whose schools had eliminated arts education because of funding shortages. Later, they organized back-to-school fairs offering backpacks, school supplies, physi- cal examinations, haircuts, food, and other services. Approximately 400 families attended each weekend. Other churches soon began offering similar programs, extending the effort across the city. Repairers of the Breach Over time, Wanda and Ben saw that the neighborhood needed more. Some teachers in the area were living in their vehicles because they could not afford housing. First responders and others serving the commu- nity were also struggling with housing costs. “We looked at the work of the church, we saw the community needs, and we recognized that more needed to be done,” Wanda said.
Wanda traces the foundation of that work to Isaiah 58, which calls God’s people to put faith into action by feeding the hun- gry, sheltering those in need, lifting burdens, and repairing what has been broken. The chapter describes those who answer that call as rebuilders and “repairers of the breach.” That passage helped shape their next steps. After attending a community devel- opment conference in New York to learn how churches and nonprofit organizations could work together to renew underserved neighborhoods, the Andersons became founding board members of Solid Rock Community Development Corporation, a separate nonprofit created to continue the work begun through the church. Its mission addresses housing justice, food security, small-business support, healthy community connections, and generational wealth building in southeast Colorado Springs. The organization purchased two acres from Solid Rock Christian Center and developed a four-story affordable housing community that is now home to 77 families, including teachers, first responders, and oth- er community servants. It also operates a food distribution center serving approximately 3,000 families each month. Partnerships with local farmers help provide fresh produce in an area with few healthy food options, while an aquaponics farm uses tilapia to grow vegetables for the community. Solid Rock Community Development Corporation has since broken ground on another affordable housing development, with plans for approximately 70 additional homes. The organization is also exploring the development of an early childhood learning center.
“My husband and I cast a vision for community revitalization, and with the Lord’s help, others were moved to carry it forward,” Wanda said. “Working with Shell Point helped me understand that when the Lord directs a vision, He provides for it and moves upon the hearts of His people to see it come to fruition.” Generational Impact At The Navigators, Wanda helps lead an international Christian ministry active in more than 120 countries. Founded in 1933, the organization remains centered on its calling: “To know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same.” It carries out that work through Life-to-Life discipleship, a person-by-person approach in which believers pray together, study God’s Word, share life, and equip others to do the same, creating spiritual generations of believers. This model reflects the vision of 2 Tim- othy 2:2: “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” The Navigators put it into practice wherever people live, work, worship, and play, reaching college students, urban communities, military members, first responders, missionaries, and people in many other settings. Its Encore Mission gives seasoned Navigator staff members aged 55 and older continued opportunities to serve and share what they have learned. Wanda’s Academy presentation will introduce residents to this work, including The Navigators’ military ministry and the ways older adults continue to serve. Mike Scott (Enclave), who serves as a Resident Advisor on Shell Point’s board,
Shell Point Life | Fall 2026
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