On behalf of the family of Harry Dent, we wish to extend our sincerest condolences to the Stancel family—Vali, Dan and Carmen, Reuben and Sasha, in the loss of one of God’s choicest servants, Eugen. He was an integral part of my dad’s ministry for many years. All of the work with Laity Alive and Serving in Romania was coordinated through Eugen. He was my father’s trusted right-hand man who managed all the details. And he did this as a volunteer from 1990 until my father passed on.
It was difficult for my father to not mention Romania and Eugen in the same sentence. My father considered him a brother and faithful friend. Yes, Eugen and Vali both became like family to us. Eugen was a wonderful example of a Christian husband and father who gave his all for the sake of the gospel. He knew how to bear the cross of Christ and live a life of obedience during the sting and bitter years of Communism. Oh, his roots grew deep in His Lord during those years. He experienced the joy of helping the underground church and brethren to plant on the surface. Eugen was willing to do anything for the Bride of Christ. He lived to enjoy the birth of grandchildren, one of God’s most precious gifts. And he lived to see Romania, his beloved country, return to freedom.
We are proud that he has graduated to Heaven. Eugen always knew this world was not his home. He knew as did my father, that God had a bigger plan and he wanted to be a part of it. Romania has lost a true patriot and Christian servant—one who talked the talk and walked the walk. He was a brilliant scholar, interpreter and engineer. Truly our loss is heaven’s gain. I chuckle when I think of Greg Horton, Harry Dent and Eugen rejoicing together in Heaven.
But who will step up to fill in the gap? Who will say, “Lord, use me as your servant to reach this country that Eugen loved.” Eugen knew that the harvest was plentiful, but the workers were few. Eugen made a significant difference in Romania, but that influence extended across the ocean. Many Americans have told me how much they were blessed and strengthened just by knowing him. We the Dent family will never be the same after knowing Eugen and Vali. Eugen and the Romanian Brethren taught us to be faithful to our Lord whether we have freedom or not. He knew that true freedom was found in following God’s will for his life. It’s one thing to be faithful when life’s going great. It’s quite another to be faithful when circumstances are not. Eugen was found faithful in the tough times and the good times. Great will be his reward. Oh, to hear his Heavenly Father say, “Well done, Eugen, my good and faithful servant.” And we were privileged to call him friend.
Eugen never forgot his days in the underground, persecuted church. He never forgot to pray for others who were in his shoes.