Bali Nine: Andrew Chan Funeral, ‘I Fought The Good Fight And Came Out A Winner In God’s Eyes’

Today, Bali Nine member Andrew Chan was laid to rest in Sydney, Australia. Chan was recently executed after spending nearly ten years in jail for attempting to smuggle heroin. The service was live-streamed via Andrew Chan’s website so people who couldn’t attend in person could watch. Present for the service were Chan’s family, his new wife Febyanti Herewila-Chan, family members of fellow Australian death row inmate Myuran Sukumaran, and Chan’s lawyer Julian McMahon.

After several songs were sung, Andrew Chan’s brother, Michael, spoke of his younger brother. He described how people can change, of how the way a person departs the world can define them. He also vowed to continue in his fight against the death penalty.

“Andrew was a great son, brother, uncle and in his remaining months as a pastor he was always thinking of others and their well-being… People deserve a second chance in life, people make mistakes and in life and deserve a second chance.”

Andrew Chan’s spiritual advisor, David Soper — from The Salvation Army — also spoke about Chan. He regaled the audience with humorous stories of Andrew’s younger life, his love for football, how catching an eel while camping had to be cooked right away — no matter the late hour.

Three members who knew Andrew Chan from time to time in Kerobokan Prison in Bali: Viki Baird, Miranda Riddington, and Alan Wilkins then spoke of their time with Andrew. They discussed his faith and Vicki read words from fellow Bali Nine member, Matthew Norman, a man who fought the death penalty and won.

“In 2005, while we were still young and immature, we made the biggest mistake of our lives. This mistake would eventually take his life… even after being sentenced with death… He took it on a chin and continued to help others.”

Alan Wilkins went on to sum up Chan’s life according to the four F’s that were important to him: Family, Friends, Faith, and his new wife, Febyanti.

A photo presentation of Andrew Chan’s life followed, showing many photos.

Pastor Mark Soper, a life-long friend of Andrew Chan, then went on to read directly from the eulogy Chan had written for his funeral, which was originally reported to be read by Andrew Chan’s widow, Febyanti Herewila-Chan. He also spoke extensively about Andrew Chan’s faith in Jesus.

“Treat each day like a diamond… My last moments here on earth I call out Hallelujah. I fought the good fight and came out a winner in God’s eyes.”

His widow, Febyanti Herewila-Chan, followed with a moving eulogy, describing, once more, how Jesus changed Andrew Chan’s life, and how it could change others. She spoke of how, even when his clemency was rejected, Chan comforted Febyanti in her hour of need, rather than seek comfort himself.

“[Andrew Chan] always [believed] Jesus was in control of his life. Those in prisons who watch this… Andrew managed to forgive those who hurt him… it’s only because of Jesus… If you want the same peace… it is only through Jesus… I always believe god has a better plan for me. Thank you.”

Herewila-Chan also spoke of Chan’s last moments before he was executed.

The funeral service concluded with a video of Andrew Chan singing. All members present then followed Andrew’s coffin out of the auditorium.

Bibles were handed out to all who needed them after Andrew Chan’s funeral.

[Image credits: screenshots from the live stream of Andrew Chan’s funeral via andrewchanlife.org]