Abe received his initial schooling in a one-room schoolhouse, and then his high school in Coaldale, Alta. Feeling the call to church ministry, he then attended MB Bible College for his post-secondary education. Upon graduation, he served his first church as pastor in Horndean, Man., followed by churches in Carman, Man., and Winnipeg; Virgil, Ont.; and finally, Calgary. After his time in Virgil, he also spent a few years in radio ministry with Mennonite Brethren Communications in Winnipeg. Abe spent 40 years in church ministry and relied on the strength and support of Anne through these years. Retirement from formal ministry allowed Abe and Anne to spend 6 months in a volunteer capacity at a church in Germany. Abe enjoyed his retirement years and was quite active in woodworking and restoring antique tractors. Abe participated in activities which his busy pastoral career hadn’t allowed. A memorable trip with some of his siblings took him back to Ukraine to see his mother’s birthplace.
