Jim Asselin
- My Local
- My Reach
- My Self
Jim serves in the Silicon Valley in California, located between San Francisco and San Jose. The Silicon Valley is the birthplace of the “high-tech” movement, and has spawned numerous global corporations. The area is highly educated and diverse, serving as a hub for workers from all over the world.
Because of the success of many who seek employment opportunities in the area, residents often feel they don’t need God. When the corporate dream is no longer enough, these people search for a higher purpose, providing an incredible ministry opportunity. In crisis situations, many are open to talking about God.
After seeing a need, Jim began serving as a chaplain to the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety and the surrounding community to provide spiritual guidance, counseling, and comfort in times of crisis.
First responders serve in their positions in a state of hyper-vigilence, often encountering high stress and trauma. In this life of intense pressure and tension, a first responder's job can be very difficult. They are under constant scrutiny by the public, the press, by supervisors, and local governments. The transition from this to their personal lives is challenging. As chaplain, Jim strives to form relationships with the first responders in order to create an atmosphere of trust and reliability. Whether it's 'ride-alongs', 'call-outs', personal counseling, or officiating ceremonies, Jim is available to the officers, fire fighters, their families, victims and other individuals associated with the Department of Public Safety. “I make every effort to be available, to listen and share in the sorrows and joys of both individual officers and the department as a whole.”
Another component of Jim’s chaplain ministry is his availability to the community. Frequent calls to high stress incidents put chaplains like Jim in a position to connect people with God. “A chaplain can be a bridge that connects the church with people who are facing life-altering situations,” Jim explains. “These are prime opportunities to direct people trying to make sense out of life to the hope that is found in Jesus.” Jim’s ministry to the community includes trauma counseling at the scene of incidents, follow-up assistance to victims of crisis, and training for crisis intervention.
Jim became an approved candidate with InFaith in January 2017.
Jim was married to Karen Asselin in 1991. They have five children, ages 25 through 18. With his wife and - at the time - three children, Jim served in Peru for three years, helping to start and build a K-12 school. Karen is a teacher, and Jim has served as a pastor at Trinity Church of Sunnyvale for 13 years. Jim has extensive construction experience, is a licensed Contractor, and is a P.O.S.T. certified member of the International Conference of Police Chaplains. His hobbies include music and spending time outdoors.
