Do you know Eldon Dietrich?
Posted on Monday, August 6, 2018 by
What do you think Eldon said when Nathan Kroll asked him to consider being Juvenile Justice Chaplain?
“A 62-year-old guy, working with 
teenagers all the time? I dropped out of college, I have no Bible college, and I have to raise my own support? No way!” was Eldon's answer.
Eldon had been leading a Bible Study one night a week at the Lancaster Juvenile Detention Center (JDC), and eventually God brought Eldon around to being the JJM chaplain. Every day of the week, Eldon faithfully visits the teens detained in the JDC. Eldon also travels to visit students; he’ll drive to Omaha, Geneva, and Kearney to continue sharing Christ’s love with these kids. As the teens move into the adult system, Eldon continues to visit them if they’re willing. He’s invested in the long haul and he has the patience to trust God’s process. Recruiting and organizing a team of mentors whom he pairs with students who request a mentor is another responsibility of his. (FYI — He’s always looking for mentors!) Many of these kids in jail have no visitors except JJM folks. Eldon, our other JJM staff, and all the volunteers and mentors are a needed light in these kids’ lives. Eldon and his wife, Mary, have four children and five grandchildren.