Army of Compassion (Paperback) | Released: 21 Sep 2015

Dr. Richard Drake, "Dick" to his close friends, passed away, peacefully in his sleep, at 7:10 am on February 9, 2011. He had been diagnosed with an Aortic aneurysm in November 2010. Richard was the visionary and Founder of Phoenix University of Theology, a 501(c)(3) Non-profit Christian University, incorporated in the state of Arizona, June 15, 2001. Richard had a passion for learning, he spent countless hours researching the history of education and the political policies and laws that effect Christian education and the Church. Thankfully, a number of Richard's orientation presentations outlining the vision for Phoenix University of Theology had been recorded. After his death, the recordings were transcribed and used to produce this book, using Richard's own words, as much as possible. I believe that throughout the words of The Army of Compassion, you will get a sense of Richard's heart, and realization that education goes well beyond the textbook and requires drawing on a much wider range of sources in the pursuit of knowledge. History proves that teaching had forever been an edict of the church; this truth inspired Richard's vision to uniquely positioned the University to reclaiming the educational prerogatives of Ecclesiastical authority along with its biblical standards and measures. Phoenix University of Theology International, continues Richard's vision and represents a revival of the classic Ecclesiastical University System, which takes into consideration competencies, proven performance skills and proficiencies. - We recognize many environments as appropriate to learning, not just the classroom - We acknowledge the range of learning resources is limitless - We confirm credits for documented learning, regardless of how it is accomplished - We acknowledge the value of "revelational enlightenment" It is our mission to validate those who can boldly teach sound, consistent doctrine. The University provides, through evaluation of one's lifelong learning and the evidence of God working through their life and ministry, a way for gifted and qualified men and women to receive the credentials they deserve because of their self-motivated study and revelation education. We realized that it is your gifting, your faith, your presence, and your presentation of God's call and purpose in your life, that speaks of your level of education and validates your "letters" or degree. May God continue to guide and gift you with all you need to fulfill your potential in Him. We are looking forward to finish the race together, to the glory of God. Karen E. Drake, DOM, TMD, D.Min
About the Author: Dr. Richard N. Drake was the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix University of Theology and the architect of the contemporary adaptation of the Classic Ecclesiastical University System. He served as President of Spiritual Concepts International Seminary. He was ordained a Cumberland Presbyterian minister in 1980 and served as Pastor of Presbyterian, Methodist and Independent churches for over twenty years. He designed and taught continuing education classes for pastors, accredited through the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Texas. He founded Good Samaritan Ministries and the Food 4 Work initiative in Tennessee and Arkansas, which became the Army of Compassion. Governor Don Sundquist of Tennessee dubbed him a "Four-star General in the Army of Compassion" and recommended him to President Bush to direct the Faith-based and Community Initiative Office of the White House in 2001. After the events of 9/11 Dr. Drake reported that God told him to withdraw his name from consideration, go back to Phoenix and build the Army of Compassion from the ground up, and that Phoenix University of Theology is to the Army of Compassion, what Annapolis is to the Navy. Prior to entering full-time ministry at the age of 33, Dr. Drake worked primarily in corporate growth and marketing and as a political consultant, where he was an effective activist in promoting sanctity against government and elitist encroachment. Dr. Drake is an alumnus of Little Rock University; where he majored in Pre-law and Accounting, and Bethel College where he majored in Religious Studies. He earned his Masters in Theology and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Spiritual Concepts International Seminary, and his Doctorate in Theology from Phoenix Theological Seminary.