Andrew Chan previously requested his family to have a public and live streaming of his funeral, which has been scheduled on Friday, May 8 at Hillsong Church in Baulkham Hills, Sydney. His eulogy, which he personally penned during his detention, will be read in part by his surviving wife, Febyanti Herewila.

A Hillsong’s spokesperson said Chan’s funeral service will be administered by Andrew’s spiritual mentor, David Soper from Salvation Army. Reports say that Chan was converted and became a Christian following his arrest in Indonesia for an attempt to smuggle heroin to Australia.

While serving prison terms at Kerobokan Prison in Bali, Chan had a rehabilitation which included an endeavour in becoming a pastor. Before his execution by firing squad, he used to administer a regular church service within the prison premises.

A representative from Chan family encouraged the public who will attend the funeral to adopt a “pay it forward” attitude by blessing someone, rather than bringing funeral flowers.

The family also cautioned the public against donations which may be asked by some web sites taking advantage of Bali Nine’s tragic death. According to Chan family, no web site has ever been authorised by them.

Cremation For Myuran Sukumaran

Myuran Sukumaran’s funeral service will be about celebration of his life, which shall be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 9 at DaySpring Church in Castle Hill. During the service, executed Bali Nine ringleader Sukumaran’s mentor Ben Quilty will deliver a speech. Around 2:00 p.m. after the service, cremation will follow and it will be attended exclusively by Sukumaran’s family and close friends.

Both families of Chan and Sukumaran invited the public to join them in paying tribute to their beloved departed.

No Protection Against Penalty

Bali Nine ringleaders were executed by firing squad in Indonesia on April 29 after almost a decade of fighting for their lives. Six other death row convicts, including a mentally ill Brazilian, were also executed.

According to reports, Sukumaran and Chan had different chances of saving themselves but opted to stay for their other members. Hours after their death, Prime Minister Tony Abbott recalled Australia’s ambassador to Indonesia, drawing various remarks. Australia Federal Police said they cannot guarantee that Australians charged with drug offence in a country where death penalty is the punishment may not suffer similar fate.

For comments or feedback, contact the writer at kizmet@ymail.com.

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