Endorsements
With vulnerability and candidness, Mark Chironna shares much-needed insights that will help believers navigate lifes painful experiences, all while looking to the One who heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds (Psalm 147:3). This book will impart hope as you walk out your journey of healing in Jesus Christ!
Dr. Ch Ahn, president, Harvest International Ministry; senior pastor, Harvest Rock Church, Pasadena, California; international chancellor, Wagner University
Dr. Mark Chironna has a one-of-a-kind mind, with unmatched focus on Gods Word, His people, and the advancement of His Kingdom. Yet he is human and faces some of the same struggles and devastations we all do. The bravery to document and recount for us his painful journey through some of his darkest days is inspiring. God knew He could trust him, like Job, to come out on the other side giving God all of the glory!
Pastor Sheryl Brady, The Potters House of North Dallas
A raw and honest discussion of Mark Chironnas struggle to overcome anxiety and deep depression. Mark blends together his background in theology, psychology, and pastoral ministry in addressing these battles. He reminds us that, ultimately, it is not a technique that will deliver us, but the person of Jesus Christ.
Dr. Michael L. Brown, radio host, Line of Fire ; author, Has God Failed You?
I saw Mark Chironna enter his valley of the shadow of death and saw his self-awareness and God-awareness intersect in painful ways. Without making excuses or tangential reasoning, my good friend Mark shares with you his life, his losses, his regaining his sight and finding God in refreshing ways. Youll love this book and share it with all you know.
Sam Chand, leadership architect, consultant, author
Mark Chironnas On the Edge of Hope is a powerful book that speaks to the reality of the dark side of emotional, spiritual, and psychological breakdown. Marks honesty regarding his struggle was powerful. The challenges his dark night of the soul brought to his charismatic Pentecostal theology and how the experience reoriented some of his theology were insightful and helpful. I highly recommend it!
Dr. Randy Clark, founder and president, Apostolic Network of Global Awakening
The growing urgency for transparency in our culture is indicative of the things weve given power to by keeping them hidden. When leaders embrace this vulnerable obligation to humanity, they inspire hope in the hearts of those who might otherwise have succumbed to the dark. Dr. Mark Chironna brilliantly invites us to venture beyond the pretense of hypocrisy, where we are empowered to conquer lies and live on the edge of discovery. Get ready to believe again!
Brenda Crouch, author, speaker, TV host
I passed through the valley of the shadow of death that Psalm 23 speaks about at the same time a dear friend quietly suffered through an extended dark night of the soul. We identified with one another. We had few answers except to say, Keep your hand on the plow and look straight ahead. My friend was none other than Mark Chironna. Thank you, Mark, for being transparent and brave and walking a path less beaten.
James W. Goll, God Encounters Ministries; GOLL Ideation LLC
Its hard to tell the truth about what weve suffered. Its even harder to tell the truth in ways that awaken genuine hope (and not wishful thinking). But Mark Chironna has done that. Precisely because he hasnt glossed over any of his pains, Gods goodness shines through every line.
Chris E. W. Green, professor of public theology, Southeastern University
As spiritual leaders, we often carry the burden of our sheep upon our shoulders, even in the midst of going through our personal struggles and battles. I am so grateful to Mark Chironna for penning his darkest season of pain. His sharing about his innermost thoughts and struggles while going through the darkest season of his life will be an encouragement to many as we witness the goodness and reality of God in his life. All glory to God!
Rev. Kong Hee, founder and senior pastor, City Harvest Church, Singapore
Bishop Chironna has given the Body of Christ a precious and costly giftthe testimony of his three and a half years of suffering. He masterfully weaves together personal stories, psychological analysis, and deep theological reflection. Those suffering their own dark night of the soul will find this book to be a compassionate, nonjudgmental, and hopeful companion. Chironna also serves as a guide to those who minister to people suffering from depression, grief, and anxiety. It is well-researched but written on a lay level.
Cheryl Bridges Johns, senior professor of discipleship and Christian formation, Pentecostal Theological Seminary
Suffering is real. Perhaps we have forgotten Gods compassionate solidarity with those who suffer and are brokenhearted. Mark Chironnas On the Edge of Hope brings us to remembrance with a scriptural and Spirit-led theology of suffering illustrated by his own painful journey to hope and healing. Pass it on.
Rev. Kim Maas, MDiv, DMin, author, Prophetic Community and The Way of the Kingdom
Familiar with the edge of despair and paralyzing pain, Mark Chironna is also at home in the landscape of honest hope and healing love. In the company of Jesus, Job, Jung, et al., Mark humbly offers truth and wisdom gained through the suffering and renewal of his own life.
Dr. Cherith Fee Nordling, theologian
Balanced tenuously on the cusp of despair and hope, one can turn one way and see nothing but darkness. Dr. Chironna summons us to turn and look instead at the boundless sea of hope. I strongly recommend this powerful and authentic work on inner healing.
Mark Rutland, executive director, National Institute of Christian Leadership
A monumental book of sweeping wisdom and weeping compassion. Mark Chironna has composed a manifesto of hope that conveys both modesty of spirit and majesty of thought. A remarkable achievement.
Leonard Sweet, professor; publisher; founder, PreachTheStory.com; author, Songs of Light series
On the Edge of Hope offers a lifeline to those drowning in a sea of depression or anxiety. Through Marks personal healing journey, you will find a lighthouse in the midst of your storm that will guide you to the shores of peace and help you win the battle against hopelessness. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is going through a storm or knows someone who is!
Kris Vallotton, senior associate leader, Bethel Church, Redding, California; cofounder, Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry; author, The Supernatural Ways of Royalty, Heavy Rain, Spiritual Intelligence , and more
Half Title Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
2022 by Mark Chironna
Published by Chosen Books
11400 Hampshire Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55438
www.chosenbooks.com
Chosen Books is a division of
Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan
www.bakerpublishinggroup.com
Ebook edition created 2022
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
ISBN 978-1-4934-3748-1
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations identified BSB are from the Berean Bible (www.Berean.Bible), Berean Study Bible (BSB) 20162020 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Used by permission. All rights reserved.