Mark Tolson problems

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"Let me give a particularly egregious example—the one I know most about. I have had the great misfortune to be tangled up in the affairs of Mark and Natasha Tolson since their first arrival on the field. I worked with them in Harbin for two years. I have had good friends and family members who have worked with them over the years in Dalian. Both the English and the Chinese aspects of their ministry have been on my radar all along.

I will try to outline these sinful behaviors briefly. I am, of course, available to talk to anyone who wants more information about these problems, as I’m sure are the Johnsons and the de los Reyeses.

• The Tolsons can be shockingly inconsiderate. The words that they say and the ways that they treat people can take your breath away. This leads to an endless chain of strained relationships. Mark confronts people over what he perceives as personal slights.

• The Tolsons can be brashly authoritarian. It is an understatement to say that Mark has been overbearing in his oversight of the missionaries that have been sent by Vision to work with them. Apparently, no demand is unreasonable or excessive.

• The Tolsons’ marriage can be very unhappy. This, of course, is a very sad situation. But it used to be widely known on the team (I can’t speak for recent years) and acknowledged by the Tolsons. While I hope that things are better than they used to be, it appears that they still subject people to witnessing their marital unpleasantness.

• The Tolsons’ use of money can be very excessive. They bring in a very large amount of support, for needs that I certainly don’t see. Mark has, for example, counseled other young missionaries to set aside a thousand dollars a month for retirement.

• The Tolsons’ updates can be misleading. They tend to portray their ministry as if it is larger and healthier than it really is."

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