Evangelist Barry Moore still going strong
LONDON, ON—When Barry Moore first began preaching, he attracted an audience of 12. Fifty years later, the evangelist has done held more than 1,000 "crusades" in 90 countries, in addition to being translated into 50 languages and dialects.
"It is my belief that Barry Moore has spoken to more Canadians face-to-face than has any other Canadian in the history of this country," says John Wesley White, a long-time associate evangelist with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
Yet that was never Moore's intention. Rather, he says, "I was just doing what I felt the Lord wanted me to do."
John Laari, executive director of Barry Moore Ministries, describes the organization as "an indigenous, interdenominational association of evangelism committed to bringing the gospel to every community, coast to coast, regardless of size."
Two out of three of Moore's events have been held in areas populated by less than 20,000 people, and half of these in areas with fewer than 5,000 people.
"Every crusade experience, whether large or small, was a satisfying one since I felt I had done my best in delivering the gospel," says Moore, who is now a great-grandfather.
Moore began his ministry as a schoolteacher. "Teaching prepared me for preaching," he says. "Now, as I look back on the pulpits that God has loaned me, I still use the same principles that I acquired in the classroom."
For eight years Moore taught with the Board of Education in London. In 1955 he assumed a position with London Youth for Christ, which led to speaking engagements across southwestern Ontario. Five years later, he founded the first interdenominational Canadian evangelistic association.
"In the early years, campaigns often lasted eight days," says Laari. "Several crusades were conducted, one after another." It was not unusual to have 35 to 40 crusades per year.
Today that number has been cut in half, due to an increase in both international travel and general expenses. "The challenges facing Canada are different from when this ministry was launched," explains Laari. "However, the basic needs of people do not change. The greatest need remains the need to be forgiven."
Despite turning 85 in November, Moore has no intentions of retiring. "The truth of the matter is, there is no place in Scripture that speaks of retirement," says the man who has never missed a meeting. "To ease one's schedule and its accompanying pressure is a given. But, when there are open doors for ministry at whatever age, I believe, as servants of God, we must minister."
As a result of Moore's tireless work, thousands have met Christ, and churches have been planted in the Philippines, Mexico, Russia, Belarus and South Africa.
"The gospel works," says Moore. "People will listen. Many will be saved. Communities can be changed for God's glory."
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