God Help Us: Bali Nine Pray

Chan is studying theology with an Australian Bible college. He was baptised in Kerobokan and, inspired by his faith, spends much of his time writing letters to inmates around the world and ''friends of friends'' who are in difficulty.

He has corresponded with David Berkowitz, better known as the Son of Sam, the US serial killer who became a born-again Christian and refused to attend parole hearings because he believed he ''deserved to be in prison''.

''It's just prayer support and that. I ask if he can pray for certain things in here or whatever, and I do the same for him,'' Chan says, adding it has been 12 months since they had contact.

While Rush continues to battle his demons, Chan appears more content. ''I trust that this isn't God's divine plan for me, and he has a better hope and plan for my life,'' he says.

''I look towards that and I strive for what's ahead and what's better, rather than what may linger over my head.''

Rush keeps his hopes in check about his coming appeal. On the face of it, he has a good case. He was the most junior member of the syndicate and others with more senior roles have got life imprisonment or less.

''I don't want to sound not positive, but I don't expect anything,'' he says. ''I'm not in a position to expect anything.''