The Making of a Servant Leader

Major Jon Abel serves as a Space Plans Officer with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. He assists coordinate operations across Japan and the Indo-Pacific theater, leads and mentors others, and advises decision makers. He and his wife, Kimberly, have a growing family, and they actively participate in their church while exploring God’s creation together. Behind this disciplined life is a story that traces back to a classroom in Oregon—a TeenPact classroom—where the foundations of leadership, faith, and service were planted early, shaping the path he would follow ever since.

Discovering TeenPact

Jon was a junior in high school in 2010 when he attended TeenPact Oregon with his brother through his homeschool co-op. Attending the Oregon State Class with his brother sparked an immediate fascination with government and civic responsibility.

“I loved learning about the Constitution, meeting state representatives, and seeing how God’s hand touched every part of government,” Jon recalls. “It was the time that I began seriously thinking about public service and what God had in store for my life.”

“My bid for Governor of my State Class was definitely a catalyst for some deep thoughts and times of prayer regarding God’s plan for my life.”

He returned for the 2011 Oregon State Class, deepening his understanding of leadership, civic responsibility, and the intersection of faith and public service.

A Night That Shaped a Life

The TeenPact memory that stands out most for Jon came during TeenPact’s 2010 National Convention, on the final worship night. The theme that year was “Changing Lives to Change the World.” Students were challenged to be the Daniels and Joshuas of their generation, reflecting and repenting of sins that might hold them back from God’s calling.

“I had a horrendous porn addiction, which God in His grace has freed me from. At the time, it felt overwhelming, like something I could never overcome. Key point: I could not. Only God could save me from my sin—I was not strong enough. I had to reach out.”

“I remember going forward, crying out to God to save me from my addiction and to use me, when I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder. It was Mr. Walden, one of the fathers who also came from Oregon. He didn’t ask what was going on. He just prayed and continued singing behind me with his hand on my shoulder, while I continued to cry out to God.”

“When it concluded, we prayed together and I remember talking at length about the will of God with Mr. Walden. That night changed my life.”

Lifelong Lessons

TeenPact reinforced the foundation Jon had received at home: Christ is the only solid basis for life.

“TeenPact definitely had a structural impact on who I am today. My parents always taught me Christ was the only foundation to build upon and TeenPact reinforced that teaching.”

Another enduring principle came from TeenPact’s 2011 National Convention theme: “Ignorance is no excuse.”

“People often like to use ignorance as an excuse for not being held accountable to the rules. But nobody would say it’s acceptable to commit murder just because nobody told you not to. That’s obviously wrong and silly.”

Grounded in biblically-principled logic, these lessons still guide Jon today—in how he thinks, decides, and leads others.

From TeenPact to the World Stage

Jon’s journey at TeenPact laid the foundation for a life of leadership, critical thinking, and faith-based decision-making. After high school, he earned a Naval ROTC scholarship to Prairie View A&M University, graduating in 2015, and later completed a graduate degree in Analytics from Texas A&M University in 2022.

His TeenPact lessons came alive in his career with the United States Marine Corps, where he applied them in operational planning, intelligence, and counter-drug missions from Japan to Texas. Today, as a Space Plans Officer, Jon not only makes strategic, ethical decisions in complex, high-stakes situations but also leads and mentors others, passing forward the guidance and principles that shaped him.

“The training I received at TeenPact set me up to be successful in many conversations I have had in my life—from college to the military, and to the execution of justice and logical implementation of additional regulations, restrictions, and orders, as a company commander in the United States Marine Corps.”

“Most importantly, all glory be to God for His grace and love. I point back to that night at the National Convention. That night was a core memory for me in my relationship with God and a defining influential moment on how God has burdened my heart for His service.”

Beyond Politics: Faith and Civic Engagement

Jon emphasizes that TeenPact is about far more than political mechanics.

“TeenPact is not just about politics. It is developing a relationship with creator-God, who is sovereign over all and understanding how faith and politics collide in the unique combination that is the American experiment. God has blessed this country because of the boldness of His disciples.”

“And TeenPact is not only about the students, but also the teen and adult volunteers who teach and run the State Classes. These volunteers are typically also young high school and college-age young adults who are learning valuable skills and reinforcing biblically-principled logic, which they will be able to take with them.”

Why TeenPact Matters Now

Jon sees TeenPact as crucial to shaping the next generation, especially in today’s cultural moment.

“The ministry of TeenPact is crucial to the culture right now because God is sovereign and we must continue to be obedient to Him and what He says regardless of who is in office.” (Proverbs 21:1) 

“The next generation needs to see the example of the faithful. We are in a [spiritual] battle. In the military we have a saying, ‘You can sleep when you are dead.’ I say, ‘Christian, you can rest when you get to heaven.’ (1 Timothy 2:1-8) TeenPact impacts the next generation by developing their worldview starting with a Biblical foundation and then teaching them how that foundation is critical in application within the God-designed sphere of government.”

Giving Back and Looking Forward

The intentional investment in Jon by his TeenPact mentors more than 15 years ago continues to bear fruit, shaping his leadership, faith, and decision-making today. Their care created a ripple effect, influencing the many people Jon now leads and mentors—extending TeenPact’s impact far beyond his own story. 

Recognizing the power of this kind of discipleship, Jon gives back as a monthly donor and hopes to volunteer alongside his wife when the time is right. He believes that teens today need that same guidance and training—perhaps even more acutely than in 2010—to navigate life with wisdom, courage, and a Christ-centered worldview.

“I cannot wait for the day when my daughter is old enough to attend TeenPact herself. Or we are at a place where my wife and I can volunteer our time in support of a State Class.”

“I am motivated to stay connected with TeenPact because one day I want to be able to see my own children blessed in the same way I was by this ministry. I give back as a monthly donor because God calls us to be good stewards of what He has given us, and TeenPact is a ministry all about pouring into others and building them up. (Proverbs 3:9-10)”

Jon’s journey is a great example of what we see time and again at TeenPact: the leaders shaping the world today were once the teens sitting in our classrooms, learning, growing, and being challenged to follow Christ and seek His purposes for their lives. The care, mentorship, and discipleship Jon received continue to shape his life—and through him, the lives of countless others—creating a ripple effect that is still reaching new generations of young people who are learning to lead and serve for God’s glory.

Jon’s journey shows how your support empowers teens to grow into faithful, Christ-centered servant leaders.