In this episode we visit early American church history: the Huguenots and their presence in Florida. Guest Ben Goldsmith shares this little-known chapter, discovering the blood of the martyrs on the First Coast. As persecution increased in France the Huguenots sought safety on the shores of the New World in 1562, landing at the mouth of the St. Johns River. For a time they enjoyed freedom… but then it all went wrong. Starting with a bloody pre-dawn raid at Fort Caroline and ending with the martyrdom of Jean Ribault (Ribault High School in Jacksonville is named after this Frenchman), the Huguenots were all but wiped from history. Fort Caroline, the Arlington area of Jacksonville, Matanzas Bay, Menendez, the Spanish, and the French, all feature in this fascinating story. Hear all about it with Ben Goldsmith!

Mr. William Sirls, Professor of English at TCJ, shares a behind the scenes look at his life and how he came to Christ while in prison. Having turned himself in over money laundering, he shares how that time “was the best thing that could have happened” to him and some of the lessons he has learned along the way. From how he has grown spiritually to his successful career as a writer, he sees God’s hand in each facet of his life. Join us for an unusual conversation that will remind you of God’s providence and desire “to seek and to save that which was lost”.

Dr. Jeremiah Stanley is Pastor of Trinity at Mandarin, previously VP of Student Affairs at TCJ for many years. In this episode he shares his thoughts on the power of journaling as a spiritual discipline. A practice he adopted in college and continues to this day, journaling has played an important role in his spiritual growth and personal development. He shares tips on how to approach the discipline to avoid burnout or disappointment and explains how it can be a valuable personal resource within a short time.