It's not every day that we are able to celebrate a noteworthy accomplishment of a peer; thus, this is a special privilege for me to scribe this post commemorating a dear colleague - Chaplain Jim Turner. I've known Jim since first meeting him at the 2015 CPCA ATS in Peterborough; many of you have known Jim much longer. Jim left an impression upon this new chaplain, and I knew he was someone reliable whom I could seek future counsel with for matters pertaining to police chaplaincy.
In May 2020, urgent prayer requests went out daily from Chaplain Bill Ashbee requesting prayer for Jim. His circumstances looked bleak for his survival, but I recall thinking God is not done with this man yet. Many chaplains across Canada prayed for Jim, and the Lord answered those prayers: "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective" James 5:16. A couple months later, I spoke with Jim on the phone, and I rejoiced witnessing the goodness and faithfulness of God in this man's life.
In October 2021, I shared a post congratulating Chaplain Jim Turner who had just been appointed as the National Chaplain for the National Police Federation. God was not done with Jim.
Just over six months ago, I was contacted by a nomination committee indicating they had entered a process to grant Jim an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity through Northwest Seminary & College. I was one of many who had the privilege of writing a letter of reference and support to assist in the nomination process. I was asked not to inform Jim since this process was taking place without Jim's knowledge. Months later, Jim phoned me to share the good news that he was being bestowed the honor of a Doctorate of Divinity. I informed Jim I was aware of the process, and this was just one more indication that God is not done with His son Jim on this earth.
On September 24, 2022, Chaplain Jim
Turner was honored in a ceremony at South Delta Baptist Church. MC Dr Barton Priebe shared that the honorary degree is granted to someone nominated to their senate who has made substantial contribution over an extended period of time to members of their community doing Kingdom work. Jim Turner was nominated in the category of ministry, specifically chaplaincy ministry, caring for those in the policing community. Jim was honored through words shared by Professor Emeritus Dr Herb Sturhahn (Jim's Hebrew professor), and Deputy Commissioner Dwayne Mcdonald Commanding Officer of RCMP "E" Division.
On behalf of the CPCA, congratulations Chaplain Jim Turner for this well-deserved honor ... or should I now address you as Dr Jim Turner? Thank you, Jim, for providing spiritual care to police officers for over 30 years. God is not done with you yet. We look forward to seeing you this month at the 2022 CPCA ATS.
Bruce Ewanyshyn
CPCA President
ICPC Director Region 1
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