Passionate about Jesus

If there is one thing that all of us know about the Tolson Family, it is that they are passionate about Jesus. This has never been more evident than it is now!

In John 15:5, it says “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” Today, our family members, the Tolsons, are at the Emory Hospital at Johns Creek. However, more important than their physical location, is the fact that they are “abiding in Christ.”

Today, or possibly tomorrow, Mark and Natasha will say “hello” and “goodbye” to the precious child they have been parenting for almost 9 months now. They have done such a wonderful job in nurturing this child, even while he or she is still in the womb. We are so proud of them.

Mark and Natasha will be our ambassadors for Christ in the country of China in just about 70 days. We could not ask for a better couple to represent us in any part of the world. Today, they are representatives for God’s grace. As they are abiding in Christ, they are able to do things that would be impossible in their own strength. The phrase “without me ye can do nothing” is seen so clearly in this very difficult situation.

In speaking with Mark yesterday and spending time with him and Natasha, it was very clear that they have a tremendous love for Jesus. They will be quick to tell you that Jesus is not just helping them, Jesus is completely sustaining them. Their love for Christ was never more evident then when I heard Mark tell me that the only thing he knows to tell his unborn child is “tell Jesus ‘hello’ for me.” As I reminded Mark that there is no gap between the time the baby will be with his earthly family and present with the Lord, you could see a smile on his face and a tear in his eye. He knows that there is nothing better in all the universe or in all of eternity than to worship at the feet of Jesus.

Please be in prayer for this family. This afternoon will be very taxing on Natasha’s body. She has been in the hospital since about 9 am yesterday. They are giving her medicines to speed things along, but the labor process is still moving very slowly.

Concerning visitors: As we all could only imagine, situations and emotions change every hour. There are times when visitors would be a real blessing to the family. But there are also times when they need to be alone. We encourage you to visit; however, please call or e-mail Mark Coffey beforehand (770.833.6093 or coffey@bcwe.org), and he will give you an update on when would be an appropriate time.

Here are the Tolsons’ blog updates from the last several months:

Update on Baby Tolson 5-26-10

“Through The Fire” (Lyrics)

Update on Baby Tolson 5-24-10

Update on Baby Tolson 5-19-10

Update on Baby Tolson 4-9-10

Update on Baby Tolson 3-5-10

Here are the Tolsons’ status updates for the last 24 hours:

“O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee: Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry;”about 4 hours ago via TweetDeck

Blog: Update on Baby Tolson 5-26-10 http://bit.ly/9aOZg7#babytolsonabout 5 hours ago via TweetDeck

Blog: “Through The Fire” (Lyrics) http://bit.ly/bvlKzcabout 5 hours ago via Twitter Tools

Good night of sleep — Next dose of medicine at 8 and then 12 #babytolsonabout 6 hours ago via TweetDeck

Natasha gets her next dose of medicine at 4 am. #babytolsonabout 15 hours ago via TweetDeck

Everything is still calm, looks like we will be having the baby tomorrow afternoon if not sooner. Thanks for your prayers!#babytolsonabout 17 hours ago via TweetDeck

Things are moving slow, looks like we are going to be here awhile. Natasha is doing good. #babytolsonabout 21 hours ago via web

In room #5 of labour and delivery.8:53 AM May 25th via TweetDeck

Blog: Update on Baby Tolson 5-24-10 http://bit.ly/bq2NqZ9:48 PM May 24th via Twitter Tools