Episode 3 - Faith, Community, and Leadership: Inside Ark Ministry with Mayor Stuart

The ArkCast - Episode 8

Welcome to ArkCast, a podcast recorded straight from The Pour coffee shop on Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach, Florida. Hosted by Derrick Bennett, this show dives deep into the heart of The Ark Ministries—a faith-based outreach providing transitional housing, meals, clothing, and job support to those finding their feet in Northwest Florida. But this isn’t just a show about a ministry; it’s a conversation about the messy, beautiful reality of community. From local leaders and residents to the volunteers and families pulling up a chair at our Tuesday night community dinners, we’re exploring what it really looks like to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Whether you're looking to grow your faith, get involved in local outreach, or just love a good story of restoration, you’ve found a home here. Grab a coffee and join the conversation!

Episode 7 - Serving Coffee, Community, and Christ at The Pour PCB

In this episode of Arkcast, host Derrick Bennett sits down with his nieces, Kia and Izzy—the operators behind The Pour, a vibrant, live coffee shop right across from the world’s most beautiful beaches. But The Pour is much more than just a place to get fresh-from-scratch cinnamon rolls and coffee; it is the front door to The Ark, a local transitional housing and outreach ministry that has spent over a decade loving people like Jesus.Kia and Izzy share heartfelt, quirky stories about what happens when worlds collide at the espresso machine. From empowering transitional housing residents with employment to inspiring regular customers to step out of their comfort zones and serve, they illustrate how a simple cup of coffee can foster deep community. They also dive into the beautiful legacy behind the "Lisa Meal" for neighbors in need, the power of their community mentorship program, and how local talents are unlocked when you ask someone, "What are your dreams?"Tune in to hear how you can get involved—whether through volunteering, donating, attending their weekly public Tuesday Night gatherings, or stopping by their upcoming local events like the Sip & Thrift pop-up on the back deck of The Pour and the annual Faith Festival.Key Takeaways & Timestamps * Meeting The Pour & The Ark: Introduction to the unique connection between the coffee shop and the transitional housing ministry in Panama City Beach. * Meet the Operators: Kia and Izzy share their love for their small town and what led them back home to run the shop. * Hiring with a Purpose: How the coffee shop provides community integration and employment opportunities for residents working to rebuild their lives. * The Power of Serving: A regular customer's heartwarming experience being handed the keys to help a neighbor in need get clothing and a hot shower. * The Story of the "Lisa Meal": Remembering a beloved community member and how her legacy continues to feed the transient population with dignity. * Community Mentorship & Structure: How everyday people—from retired financial planners to musicians—use their unique gifts to pour into others. * Local Events & Fellowship: Details on the Tuesday Night chapel gatherings, the monthly Sip & Thrift back-deck pop-up market, and the massive Faith Festival coming to Aaron Bessant Park.

Episode 6 - Faith, Fitness, and Fatherhood: Building a Kingdom

In this episode of ArkCast, host Derrick Bennett sits down with his son-in-law, Jake Howard, at the Pour Coffee House to discuss the intersection of physical health and spiritual growth. Jake shares his personal journey from growing up in San Diego to finding a deep, "sold-out" relationship with Jesus during his college years. He opens up authentically about his lifelong struggle with eating disorders and how he eventually leveraged a national body transformation victory to benefit the ministry. The conversation highlights the practical ways the Ark community serves as the "hands and feet" of Christ. Jake details his efforts in establishing an on-site gym at the Ark to provide residents—many of whom struggle with addiction—an outlet for physical discipline and brotherhood. Derrick and Jake also explore: * The Theology of Fitness: Viewing the body as a vehicle for the Spirit and a tool for righteousness. * Family Ministry: The creation of a "Family Group" that removes common barriers for young parents by providing meals and childcare, allowing them to study scripture and find community. * Lessons from Parenting: How raising young children provides a clearer picture of our own relationship as children of God. * Faith Festival 2026: A look ahead to the upcoming community-wide event on October 24th designed to unify local churches through music and fellowship. The episode concludes with a reminder that spiritual growth, much like physical training, is a "day by day" process of being refined through discipline and trial.

Episode 5 - Episode 5 - Homelessness and Addiction to Homeownership: James’s Powerful Story of Transformation

In this episode of the Arkcast, host Derrick Bennett sits down with James, a former resident who experienced a radical life transformation through the services and community at The Ark. The Ark is a faith-based transitional housing facility in Panama City Beach that provides roughly 140 beds along with financial planning, job opportunities, and essential resources. James candidly shares his journey from growing up in Lake Butler, Florida, to struggling with a decades-long cycle of drug addiction. After losing his business, his home, and nearly losing his relationship with his children, a series of "God moments"—including a last-minute insurance approval for rehab—led him to the doors of The Ark during a freezing night in December 2022. The discussion highlights the holistic support provided by The Ark, including: * Spiritual Growth: James discusses his transition from atheism to leading a Bible study and joining the Emmaus discipleship community. * Financial Literacy: By utilizing The Ark’s financial planning classes and savings accounts, James was able to build the credit and funds necessary to recently purchase his own home. * Family Restoration: The facility’s family studio apartments allowed James to reunite with his daughter, and eventually, his entire family was restored and now lives together in their new home. * Creative Outlets: James also shares his passion for the Ark Band, where he plays electric guitar as part of the ministry’s outreach and community events like the Faith Festival. Derek and James conclude by inviting listeners to visit The Ark or The Pour, their associated coffee shop, to see the growth and "full circle" transformations happening within the community.

Episode 4 - Finding Hope in the Trenches with Monica Colson

In this episode of the ArkCast, hosted by Derrick Bennett live from the Pour Coffee Shop in Panama City Beach , we explore the heart and history of Ark Ministries. Originally founded as a youth retreat facility, the Ark transitioned roughly 12 to 15 years ago into a transitional housing ministry that now provides 140 beds for those in need. Driven by the love of Jesus Christ, the organization serves as a Christ-based center helping people navigate homelessness, addiction, and life transitions. The episode features a powerful interview with Monica Colson, the current Office Manager at the Ark. Monica shares her personal journey of arriving in Panama City Beach on a Greyhound bus—homeless and alone—before being directed to the Ark by a local police officer in November 2022. She discusses: * The Reality of Residency: The challenges and growth that come with living in bunk beds and sharing space with people from all walks of life, including those transitioning from jail or prison. * Full Circle Restoration: Her transition from being a resident working at a donut shop to eventually leading office operations, including conducting interviews, drug testing, and counseling others who are currently in the "trenches" she once occupied. * Family Success: How she and her husband, Eric, were able to reunite with their four sons and eventually purchase the "Ark 2" house to live in as a family. The conversation also highlights the "Lisa Meal"—a free corn dog meal provided daily to the homeless in memory of a former resident named Lisa—and the upcoming Faith Festival 2026. The festival, scheduled for October 24th at Aaron Bessant Park, is a Jesus-centered community event featuring local church bands, food trucks, and over 50 vendors.