A Christian from the age of 16, Abe left college studies for the U. S. Naval Submarine Service, where he had the privilege to serve as the Protestant Lay Reader during his sea tour. In 1999 Abe left active duty after completing a shore tour at the New London Submarine Base in Groton, CT.

He has served at Covenant Presbyterian Church since being ordained and installed as an Elder in 1999, while also serving on several committees of the Southern New England Presbytery and its predecessor Northeast Presbytery.

Abe met his wife Susan (Suzy) while the two were at Baylor University. They have four children and two grandchildren.