When Barry joined Compassion Canada in 1983, he found he could put his rich business and ministry background to good use to help the ministry fulfil its mission. "I place a high value on integrity", says Barry. "If ministry is to be done in Christ's name, then it must be done with the highest integrity — we must give God our best!"

After graduating from Masters College and Seminary in 1977, Barry began his ministry as a church planter in Prince Edward Island. After establishing a self-supporting church in Montague, he continued on to pastor a multicultural church in the city of Bathurst, New Brunswick.

During his years as a pastor, he was very active in children's ministry, founding and directing summer camps for children. He always had a heart for the underprivileged, and especially for children. It was no surprise he accepted the invitation to join Compassion and devote himself to serving poor children around the world.

Barry has become a spokesperson for the poor. He travels the globe motivating Christians to reach out and help Children at Risk. In 1988, he co-founded the Council of International Children's Ministry (CICM) based in Oxford, U.K., and Colorado, U.S. To this day, he serves as its chairman.

In 2001, he was appointed chairman of the International Council for the VIVA Network, a global coalition of Christian, children-at-risk ministries based in Oxford, U.K. He also co-founded the not-for-profit International Alliance for Missions. He now chairs this Canadian initiative, dedicated to funding missionaries and organizations working with needy children.

Barry has served over 24 years with Compassion Canada, serving as director of Church Ministries and vice-president. He became the organization's third president and CEO in June 1993.

"Serving with Compassion is a matchless opportunity for me to use my gifts and skills to change the world," says Barry. "I cannot imagine a better way to spend my life than investing it to build up children who otherwise would have no hope."

Barry lives in London, Ont., with his wife Sharon. The Slauenwhites have two adult daughters, Krista and Heather.