In recent years, Brothers of Gamma Pi Chapter have opened their early morning email to a guaranteed spiritual boost to kick the day off. Positioned between all the SPAM and “do this,” “send me that,” “’do you have a copy” emails was one note that Brothers anticipated receiving and could depend on to lift them them up. It was a mini-sermon from then-Chaplain Bro. Rev. Laurence Hawkins (Tau Psi '87), along with Scripture and a Bible verse.
“While serving as Chapter Chaplain, I wanted to reach the
brothers daily with a brief, inspiring message that offered guidance and
encouragement as we strive to grow into the men we are called to be—for our
families, ourselves, and Omega,” Bro Rev. Dr. Hawkins said in a recent
interview. “I would occasionally ask my wife to proofread the messages.
Eventually, she asked to share them with some of her friends and family. That
led me to begin writing a slightly different version for a broader audience.”
The books are The Omega Man’s Devotional: 365 Reflections
of Faith, Purpose and Power,” which includes approximately 50–60 entries
that use language specifically designed to resonate with Omega Men, and Thoughts
for Reflection: One Year of Faith, Purpose and Renewal” serves as an
excellent companion for wives and Omega Men to use together for daily
devotional check-ins and discussions. Both books are available at www.laurencehawkins.com. This is his
first published work.
“I would like to thank the Brothers of Gamma Pi and the
First Baptist Church of Highland Park—especially my pastor, Rev. Dr. Henry P.
Davis—for their tremendous support in helping me successfully launch both books,” Bro. Rev. Dr. Hawkins added. “Their
encouragement and generosity enabled us to completely sell out the first
printing of both books within weeks of publication.”
“The purpose of both books is the same: to encourage readers
to engage with God daily, even if only for a few minutes. I firmly believe that
being intentional about connecting with God in a consistent rhythm positively
shapes our lives,” said Bro. Rev. Hawkins. “Consistent, sincere engagement with
God reflects faithfulness—and God responds to faith.”
The Omega Man’s Devotional simply incorporates language in
certain entries that speaks directly to brothers, using expressions and themes
that resonate with our shared experiences as Men of Omega.
In “Omegaspeak,” members of the Fraternity often
recognize and refer to God as The Supreme Basileus. Following the lead of the
Chaplain, Brothers often open and close meetings with prayer.
Bro. Rev. Dr. Hawkins wears many hats. It begins with his role
as Husband and father. Within the Fraternity, he serves as Keeper of Peace for Gamma Pi. In his career life, he is Director of Financial Oversight and Audit Quality in the Office of
Audits at the NASA Office of Inspector General. And he is an Associate Minister
at First Baptist Church of Highland Park in Prince George’s County, where he
regularly teaches an adult Bible class, serves as a premarital and marriage
counselor, and provides counseling for baby dedications.
Rev. Dr. Hawkins earned a Bachelor of Business
Administration in Accounting from North Carolina Central University and later
completed both a Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Old
Testament and a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Theology at Maple Springs Bible College and Seminary.
