Christian Missionary Called ‘Holiest Man Alive’ Faces 30 Years in Prison for Child Sexual Abuse in Texas

A former missionary in Texas, Daniel Savala, has pleaded guilty to continuous trafficking of persons in relation to the sexual abuse of two young boys. The 70-year-old, who previously had a position within the Chi Alpha campus ministry associated with the Assemblies of God, has been sentenced to thirty years in prison following a court hearing on May 7.

Savala’s legal troubles began with his 2020 arrest, which followed revelations that a Waco pastor had brought his sons to Savala’s residence. According to court testimony, the boys, aged 11 and 12 at the time, were instructed to undress in a sauna located in Savala’s home, where they were subsequently subjected to sexual abuse.

The guilty plea was heard virtually from the McLennan County jail, where Savala is currently being held. Following his sentencing, it is anticipated that he will be transferred to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Although he may face additional legal challenges in Harris County, no court date has yet been established.

News reports indicate a troubling history involving Savala and leadership within the Chi Alpha ministry. An investigation conducted by NBC News highlighted that church officials were aware of numerous allegations against him over the years, yet he was still permitted to engage with students. Notably, Savala had a previous conviction for sexual abuse of a minor dating back to 2012 in Alaska.

Despite these concerns, Savala was referred to affectionately by Chi Alpha pastors as “Papa Daniel” and was described as “the holiest man alive.” This misleading portrayal led to students being encouraged to visit him for guidance and mentorship.

In a response to the reports of abuse, the Assemblies of God stated that it had instructed Chi Alpha leaders in 2018 to cease interactions with Savala after receiving credible allegations. They claimed that more recently, following intensified reports of sexual misconduct, they undertook significant measures resulting in the dismissal of several ministers linked to Savala.

Joseph Cleveland, one of the individuals impacted by Savala’s actions, shared his experience at the sentencing hearing. Cleveland revealed that he had been abused by Savala for nearly a decade, stating, “There’s gratitude that it’s finally over. We fought for almost three years to the day he was arrested.” He expressed the complexity of emotions involved in confronting Savala and the enduring trauma experienced by himself and others who could not attend the hearing to share their statements.

Cleveland also mentioned that he chose to forgive Savala to aid in his own healing process, citing the ongoing suffering of fellow victims as a significant factor in his decision to speak out. He articulated the importance of representing both his own story and those still grappling with the emotional aftermath of Savala’s actions.

Authorities have indicated that Savala is also linked to other investigations in Brazos County, further complicating his troubling history. Additionally, it was reported that he had ties to Christopher Hundl, a former campus minister at Baylor University who is facing similar allegations of continuous sexual abuse of a young child in Harris County.

As the fallout from Salava’s crimes continues, the Assemblies of God has publicly expressed sorrow over the allegations and the distress experienced by victims, affirming their opposition to any abusive behaviours attributed to Savala.

For those who may have been victims of sexual abuse, support is available. The Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting “STRENGTH” to 741-741, connecting individuals with certified crisis counsellors.