Funeral For Bali 9 Victim Andrew Chan Streamed Live, Brother Michael Offers Words Of Wisdom

Family and loved ones of Bali 9 executee, Andrew Chan, have started arriving at Hillsong Church in Baulkham Hills, Sydney, for his funeral which is being held at 11:00 a.m. AEST. The service is expected to conclude at 2:00 p.m. AEST.

The mother of the fellow Australian executed alongside Chan, Myuran Sukumaran, is also present for the funeral, along with her children. Chan’s new bride, Febyanti Herewila-Chan — who married Chan only two days before his execution — followed his body home this week and will also be in attendance to give a eulogy. Herewila-Chan was present at the execution of Andrew Chan and the seven other death row inmates, including Sukumaran.

Andrew Chan himself will also have his personal eulogy read out, a speech he wrote in the weeks and days before his execution. It is this eulogy that will be read out in part by Herewila-Chan.

Andrew’s brother, Michael, spoke at the funeral, describing how the way people depart the world can find their character. He also brought up the fact it is important to offer second chances, as people can change, and promised to keep fighting the death penalty. He then offered to look after the rest of the Chan family in Andrew’s absence.

Along with family members, Chan’s lawyer, Julian McMahon, and Chan’s spiritual mentor, David Soper from the Salvation Army, will also be present.

Chan’s family have asked for people to “pay it forward” rather than send flowers. However, Chan’s website has advised no charitable organizations have been cited, so have warned the public to be aware of fraudulent sites.

“Instead of bringing flowers, we would like to ask the public to adopt the ‘pay it forward’ attitude and bless someone. We’d love to see this money used to help others or be donated to a worthy cause.”

It is expected thousands of people will attend the service in Sydney as well as those will will virtually attend via the live stream via Andrew Chan’s website.

Both Australians were executed recently after being caught as part of a heroin smuggling ring in Bali and being detained for close to ten years in a Bali prison. Since their executions, the Australian Federal Police have come under further criticism for not detaining members of the Bali 9 before leaving Australia bound for Indonesia.

According to ABC News Australia, Myuran Sukumaran’s funeral will take place on Saturday at the DaySpring Church in Castle Hill. This service is also expected to last three hours. Members of the public are also welcome at his funeral service.

[Image credit: Getty Images]