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 around the globe.
The material success of many in this area tends to override the deeper spiritual and relational needs. People are financially comfortable here, living the ‘corporate dream’. In crisis, however, when life doesn’t make sense, people tend to ask the deeper questions of Origin (Where did I come from?), Meaning (Why am I here?), Morality (the understanding of right and wrong), and Destiny (Where am I going?). These are prime opportunities to connect with people at a more meaningful, spiritual level.
After seeing a need, Jim began serving as a chaplain to the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety and the surrounding community to provide counseling, comfort, and spiritual guidance in times of crisis.
First responders serve in their positions in a necessary state of hyper-vigilance, often encountering high stress and trauma. Many suffer from PTSD. More recently, they have come under greater scrutiny by the public through social media, the press, by supervisors, and local governments. In addition, the transition from their professional to their personal lives is often difficult. As chaplain, Jim serves the fire and police in stressful situations such as suicides and domestic violence, when on a call, and/or afterward doing a debriefing. Whether it's death notifications, personal counseling, or officiating ceremonies, Jim is available to the officers, fire fighters, and others associated with the Department of Public Safety and their families. “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 the Chaplaincy is availability to the community. Frequent calls to high stress incidents put chaplains like Jim in a position to provide moral support for people who are facing life-altering situations. In addition, through mutual aid, Jim has served at wildfires throughout California. He is embarking on his ninth year in his chaplain role.
Jim became an approved candidate with InFaith in January 2017.
Jim was married to Karen Asselin in 1991. They have five children. 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.
