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The News 4 Trouble Shooters spent months investigating the founder of the Family Praise Center on Northeast Loop 410, and investigating claims that he asked women for phone sex, had extramarital affairs and used church funds to silence his victims.Rick Hawkins is a showman. He's a charismatic and powerful preacher saving souls in the name of the Lord. He also shapes the lives of students at his School of Excellence, a charter school bearing his name. Hawkins is the author of several books, including advice on relationships.Hawkins is also a preacher with a problem. Hundreds of followers have made a mass exodus, leaving his Family Praise Center church recently because of word that he has been caught up in a sex scandal.A woman who says she was victimized by Hawkins sexual advances asked us not to reveal who she is. She doesn't go to Hawkins' church anymore because of something she says happened when she turned to her pastor for counseling for a personal matter.Instead of comforting her, she says Hawkins hit on her during a phone conversation, even though he knew she was married.The woman told us, "He first mentioned to me that he was in bed naked, and it caught me off guard."She says Hawkins' inappropriate comments went even further."He asked if I would like to have phone sex, and he also asked me questions about me masturbating and if that was something that I did frequently or was interested in doing." She says she was confused, frustrated and hurt by his advances.She was hurt even more when she talked to other women who claim they have also been the target of Hawkins' sexual advances. We've confirmed Hawkins had several extramarital affairs before he and his wife divorced last February.One of his affairs recently caused the break up of a marriage between two of his church employees. We've also learned Hawkins has used thousands of dollars in church funds, money put in the collection plate, to silence many of those affected by his sexual advances.In exchange for the money, they agreed not to talk about what happened.A former book keeper even left the church in protest over those payments.We also uncovered another one of Hawkins indiscretions, again with another married member of his congregation.In an e-mail, the husband of that woman confirms the incident.Trouble Shooter Brian Collister asked about allegations that his wife was sexually harassed by Hawkins.He wrote: "My wife and I have suffered immeasurable emotional and spiritual set backs that we are just now recouping from as it pertains to the situation and circumstances that you have mentioned."He declined to talk on camera about what happened that made them leave the church.Meanwhile, church leaders have also fled the flock. Paul Rodriguez, a former deacon of the church, came forward to talk to us.His daughter was married to Hawkins' son until they recently divorced....To read more go to:
To watch the video go to:
PS:This is just one example more of deception INSIDE the church.....I truly believe the Lord is preparing His bride and separating the goats from the sheep...We've heard of many scandals recently including Juanita Bynum and husband,Paula White and husband,Richard Roberts and ORU,and now this among others....
This is a high time to walk softly before the Lord and in His Fear....
We may persuade men BUT we cannot persuade God....
Is it awful and shameful...???Yes it is....BUT thanks GOD there is still a remnant of the faithful to the Lord in the US that are living in God's Will every day and lead a godly lifestyle pleasing to God,I include children,youth,adults and old people.
This is a true sign of the evil days that we are living in.....The Lord is NEAR....
I pray that this man can come to true repentance and turn to Jesus today.
And I also pray for that congreagation,their school and all the people involved in this horrible situation....
As in the days of Noah....
