The ArkCast - All Things Ark

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.

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

In this episode of Arkcast, host Derrick Bennett is joined by the Mayor of Panama City Beach, Stuart, for a deep dive into the intersection of faith, public service, and local ministry. Broadcasting live from The Pour, a nonprofit coffee shop located at 12902 Front Beach Road, they explore the mission of Ark, a Christian organization providing transitional housing and support to those in need for over a decade. Mayor Stuart shares his personal journey from a software engineer in the San Francisco Bay Area to leading Panama City Beach. He discusses how witnessing the extreme homelessness in California sparked a calling to help, eventually leading him to volunteer with Arc’s ministry. The conversation highlights: * The Heart of Ark: Seeing Christ in the "least of these" through both spiritual accompaniment and practical aid, such as helping residents find jobs and obtain driver’s licenses. * Success Stories: Reflections on former residents like Cody, who transitioned from experiencing a hard time to becoming a local leader and pastor. * Faith in Politics: How the Mayor applies biblical principles of "accompaniment" and "customer service" to lead with patience and grace, especially when addressing frustrated constituents. * Community Safety: A discussion on balancing business needs with family safety during Spring Break and the positive ramifications for the city. * The Faith Festival: A preview of the upcoming event on October 24th at Aaron Bessant Park, designed to foster Christian unity among local congregations. Whether you are interested in local governance, community outreach, or finding a balance between physical and spiritual works of mercy, this episode offers a grounded look at making a tangible impact in Northwest Florida.

Episode 2 - Life at The Pour: Transitional Housing, Faith, and the "Small Snapshot of Heaven"

In this episode of the Arkcast, we go behind the scenes at The Pour, a unique coffee shop and transitional housing ministry located on Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach, Florida. Guest Corey Truitt, an elder in the United Methodist Church and Director of Resident Life at The Ark, joins the conversation to share his journey from Mississippi to Florida and his passion for holistic healing. The discussion dives deep into the "smorgasbord" of daily life at the ministry, where white-collar professionals and the unhoused coexist in a space Corey describes as a "small snapshot of heaven". Listeners will learn about: * The Two Arms of The Ark: How the ministry balances a hospitality arm (offering free meals, showers, and AC) with a residential arm focused on long-term stability. * The Path to Sustainability: The strict standards for residency, including being clean and sober and maintaining full-time employment to help individuals become spiritually healthy and productive. * Success and Redemption: Challenging national statistics with a local success rate estimated between 40-50% through mentorship and spiritual growth. * Church at The Pour: An accessible, 30-minute midweek service held directly in the coffee shop that bridges the gap between the sacred and the everyday. * Community Impact: How local churches are repurposing Sunday school rooms for transitional housing to create a "village" of support for those in need. Whether discussing the "OG" residents who have graduated the program or the "vibe" that draws international tourists into their mission, this episode highlights how The Ark operates without federal funding to maintain the freedom to heal lives through faith and community.

Episode 1 - All Things Ark: Faith, Fellowship, and Fresh Starts

In this inaugural episode of The Arkcast, host Derrick Bennett is joined by Rob Raines, an associate pastor and former assistant director, to pull back the curtain on The Ark Ministry in Panama City Beach. What began 40 years ago as "Noah's Ark," a Methodist retreat center, has evolved over the last 12 years into a vibrant Christ-based transitional housing program dedicated to tackling local homelessness. Derrick and Rob share the "secret sauce" behind their ministry's success, which balances strict accountability with radical grace. They discuss: * The Mission of Housing: Managing roughly 140 beds across men's, women's, and single-parent family units. * The "Front Door": The Pour, a local coffee shop that serves as the community's primary connection point to the ministry. * Holistic Support: How the ministry assists residents with financial training, parenting classes, dental care, and even the logistics of securing vehicles for work. * Leadership from Within: Their unique model of empowering residents to take on management roles and mentor one another. * The Faith Festival: A look back at their successful community music festival and a preview of the upcoming event on October 24th at Aaron Bessant Park to raise funds for their "compassion closet". Through stories of "road-worn" musicians finding their rhythm again and the messy, beautiful reality of building a "family" out of strangers, this episode highlights how The Ark serves as the hands and feet of Jesus on the Emerald Coast.