Christian missionary hailed as ‘holiest man alive’ pleads guilty to abusing boys in Texas
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Daniel Savala, a former Assemblies of God missionary, pleaded guilty to continuous trafficking of persons for sexually abusing two boys and was sentenced to 30 years in prison without parole.
- Despite warnings and a prior 2012 child sex abuse conviction in Alaska, Savala maintained influence within the Chi Alpha campus ministry, where leaders failed to act on allegations and allowed him access to students.
- Savala used spiritual teachings to manipulate boys and young men, including operating a secretive sauna where abuse occurred, with at least eight other accusers coming forward in lawsuits and statements.
- Whistleblowers repeatedly alerted Assemblies of God officials about Savala, but their concerns were dismissed, highlighting systemic failures within the church to protect students from abuse.
- The Assemblies of God denomination expressed opposition to Savala’s actions, noting he was never a credentialed minister, and has taken some actions against related leaders, while survivors and advocates call for broader accountability within the church.
