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.

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Episoder(12)

Episode 12 - Standing Your Ground for the Gospel: Street Ministry & Landmark Religious Freedom

In this episode of The Arkcast, host Derrick Bennett talks from The Pour Coffee Shop on Panama City Beach to break down the true mission behind the Ark—a local ministry and 140-bed transitional housin...

26 Aug 43min

Episode 11 - Serving the Least of These: Community, Discipleship, and Ministry at The Ark

Welcome back to The ArkCast, the podcast where we talk about all things related to The Ark Ministry in Panama City Beach, Florida! 🌊✨ In this episode, host Derek Bennett sits down with Caden Knutson...

11 Aug 27min

Episode 10 - Second Chances & Community Coffee: Inside The Arc Ministry with Co-Director Liz

In this episode of the Ark Cast, host Derrick Bennett sits down live at The Pour coffee shop in Panama City Beach with his sister-in-law and co-director of The Ark, Liz. Together, they share the power...

2 Jul 34min

Episode 9 - What is Salvation? Finding Truth Through Friendly Debate!

Is Christian salvation eternally secure, or can a believer fall away from grace? In this episode of the ArkCast, host Derrick Bennett sits down with friends Scott and Josh at The Pour coffee shop in P...

24 Jun 48min

Episode 8 - All Things Ark: Stories of Faith, Family, and Community

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 M...

9 Jun 39min

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...

2 Jun 42min

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 h...

26 Mai 39min

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 f...

19 Mai 36min