Nguyen Tuong Khoa during today's service.
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December 7, 2005 - 3:15PM
In the order of service for his funeral, a photo of a young Nguyen Tuong Van stares from the page.
The photograph depicts Nguyen as a serious-looking young boy, wearing shorts, a T-shirt and sandals, with a white hat resting on his knee as he sits beside a suburban street.
On the opposite page are words he wrote two hours before his execution, at once chilling and tender, expressing his love and gratitude to all that knew him.
Another note from Nguyen, this one handwritten and reproduced in the book, also gives his family instructions on how he wanted a part of the service conducted.
The note was signed Caleb Van. Caleb is Nguyen's baptismal name.
The text from the reproduced handwritten note:
Also, could you please ask everyone (at one stage) to put their hands on their hearts to feel my love, appreciation and God's awesome love.
And instead of turning to one's left and right to shake hands, please ask each one to hug instead and introduce themselves so that they shall no longer be strangers.
This is all I ask Father. God bless you.
And I shall see you soon and welcome you with our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Yours,
Caleb Van.
The last page of the prison diary of Caleb Nguyen Tuong Van, written two hours prior to his death:
Dear Brothers and Sisters, to one and all whom have fought so hard for my life, to all who have prayed and those I have hurt, please forgive me for my sins and accept my sincere apologies.
It is now the eleventh hour. My work here is done now. Pray, may I not have failed you completely and by the Grace of God may you find strength and comfort in these words my heart now speaks to you my brothers and sisters.
As I lay here listening to the prayers being said for me I take measure of all that has taken place and what is about to be.
I am returning to the Lord now. He loves us all so much. He is in all of us. He's always been there. It is we who need to love Him.
I shall be looking down on you and shall be in all your hearts. I shall never cease to love you and can only promise I will never leave your side.
To know that I am there you need only place your hands (on) your heart and I'll be there.
I now thank each and everyone for all that has been achieved by the love you all possess. Amazing Grace because that is what you are.
I smile now as I prepare myself to return to the Lord. You all are now in my prayers. Please don't be sorry but instead celebrate the life God has made possible through his love.
These shall be my last words now. But I will see you again. Be of great faith; of greater courage and firm heart.
It is now my time. May God continue to bless you. May His light shine upon you. May He grant you Peace and bring you everlasting ife. Amen.
See you my brothers and sisters.
I love you ... and forever will.
Fear not my brothers and sisters. Fear not.
AAP
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