In the wake of personal tragedy, Dr. Chuck F. Betters, founder of MARKINC Ministries, has released a new book titled "Learning to See When the Lights Go Out." The book emerges from the sermons he preached in the weeks following the sudden death of his sixteen-year-old son, Mark, offering readers an honest and biblical exploration of grief, suffering, faith, and hope.
Dr. Betters' journey into this profound loss began on a warm summer evening when he stood in his backyard, reflecting on God's faithfulness throughout his life. Having supported his wife through breast cancer, overcome his own battle with depression, and shepherded a congregation for decades, his heart was full of gratitude. Days later, a phone call delivered the news that would change everything: "Your son has been in an accident. You need to come now."
In the aftermath of Mark's death, Dr. Betters wrestled with the questions that haunt every grieving parent: Could he still trust the God he had preached about for years? Could God's love and sovereignty coexist with such tragedy? His new book invites readers into that deeply personal journey, demonstrating that even the deepest pain can become a place where God's faithfulness shines most brightly.
"I hope readers discover hope in the middle of their own crisis," said Dr. Betters. "Our journey has taught us that suffering does not have the final word. God does." This conviction has shaped his ministry. Following Mark's death, Chuck and Sharon Betters founded MARKINC Ministries, an organization dedicated to bringing help and hope to hurting people worldwide. Decades later, that mission continues through counseling, teaching, writing, and speaking.
Dr. Betters' pastoral career spans forty-eight years, during which he served churches in Philadelphia and Delaware, founded Red Lion Christian Academy, and pastored Glasgow Reformed Presbyterian Church for over thirty years. Alongside his wife, he also established Anchored Hope Biblical Counseling, now known as Anchored Virtual. He is the author of several books, including "Teaching Them Young" and "Harlots & Heroines," and coauthor of "Treasures of Faith."
Inspired by the writings of Charles Spurgeon, Dr. Betters describes his writing journey in three words: loss, hope, purpose. His greatest challenge has been finding the time to write, and when writer's block strikes, his solution is simple: perseverance. Today, he lives in Florida, continuing to lead MARKINC Ministries and enjoying time with Sharon, their four children, fourteen grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.
For readers facing grief, unanswered questions, or seasons of profound suffering, Dr. Betters offers more than sympathy. He offers the steady assurance that even in life's darkest valleys, God remains faithful. The book is published by Lucid Books, an independent hybrid publisher based in the Houston area, which aims to help authors inspire, inform, and enrich the lives of their readers. For more information about Lucid Books, visit lucidbookspublishing.com.
