Harold Lawrence Bernard Lovestrand worked for the fairest, yet the most merciful, boss possible. Throughout his years as a missionary, pastor, and in various supplemental jobs, other people signed his paychecks, but Harold knew that God was his real boss. On August 8, 2019, at 93 years of age, he received the promotion that earned him rights and privileges he never knew before: perfect health, wealth unimaginable, and the privilege of a face-to-face meeting with the One he served so well all his life.
When God radically changed his direction from funeral director to missionary after serving in World War II, he enrolled at Bob Jones College. There he learned, despite his shyness, to speak to strangers about his generous Boss. He chose a verse to live by: “To lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:10 (RSV)
He lived to hear his Boss’s “Well done!” Every morning he consulted with Him for the day’s instructions through prayer and the reading of his Boss’ written instructions in the Bible. He was ready to go or stay depending on what God required. God’s assignments led him to Indonesia, Trinidad, and the Philippines as a missionary and to five different states in ministry as a pastor or Mission Coordinator for AMG International. He started a Bible school in Indonesia and an orphanage in the Philippines, both of which continue to carry on their ministries.
He taught his seven children to honor and serve God with all their being, demonstrating by his own example that it was worth it. He sought to love his wife as Christ loved the church. He prayed, preached, counseled, gave to others, supported missionaries, and worked as though his final evaluation was imminent. He helped build nine houses for missionaries in Indonesia. He authored three books. He and his wife fostered more than forty children. He introduced countless people to his Boss, often asking strangers, “If you were to die today, do you know where you would spend eternity?”
He will be missed by Muriel Lovestrand, his wife of almost 71 years, seven children and their families, 17 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and two brothers. His resonant bass voice will no longer sing at Center Grove Baptist Church in Rock Spring, GA, but his life’s devotion to his eternal Boss will be celebrated there on Friday, August 16, 2019,https://amginternational.org/product/home-of-hope-orphanage/. Please mention Harold’s name when you check out.
at 12:00 noon. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to AMG International for the Home of Hope Orphanage: 