FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER: From the Ledger to the Pulpit, Gamma Pi Brother Shares Spiritual Insights with His First Books

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.

After three years of giving Gamma Pi members an inspirational start to their day with his “Thought for Reflection” mini-sermons, Bro. Rev. Dr. Hawkins is expanding his reach. The 2023 2^nd District Man of the Year recently published two books containing his robust collection of “Thought for Reflection” devotionals, from Genesis to Revelations. It is his first published work.  

“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.