October 31, 2023 X A LIO N SD E N.
C O M
The
Just as Martin Luther boldly challenged the
oppressive ideology of the Catholic Church in
1517, we fearlessly present to the Assemblies
of God and Chi Alpha leadership with "95
Questions" to address the three-decade-long
spiritual and sexual abuse scandal surrounding
their most influential mentor, Daniel Savala.
Questions Concerning Daniel Savala 13 H
ow many Chi Alpha leaders and students fund-raised to
support Mr. Savala during the 2012 Alaska sexual abuse trial
The first 34 questions concern Daniel Savala’s 40-year involvement and conviction?
in the ministries of the Assemblies of God and Chi Alpha.
14 We have heard that Eli Stewart and Eli Gautreaux actively
1 If Daniel Savala had no official ties to Chi Alpha or the sought contributions from alumni to cover Mr. Savala’s legal
Assemblies of God, how did he gain unrestricted access to expenses. Does the Assemblies of God have any policies
mentor and preach within these ministries for decades? regarding staff raising legal funds without prior approval?
2 Does it matter if an offender (Daniel Savala) is officially 15 What was the total amount of funds collected for Mr.
recognized as a minister in order to investigate multiple Savala’s legal expenses?
allegations of spiritual and sexual abuse within Chi Alpha?
16 D
id any Chi Alpha leader express concerns or resistance
3 Daniel Savala was reported as a camp counselor in 1980 at regarding the choice to support Mr. Savala in a potential
Assemblies of God (AG) Camp in Kerrville, Texas (formerly sexual abuse trial related to pedophilia? If not, why not?
known as Pearl Wheat) and again in 1991-1992
at Hill Country Camp. How many times did Daniel work 17 W hy were the precise details of Mr. Savala's conviction not
as a counselor, and at how many AG camps? provided to the university student body, Chi Alpha interns,
and small group leaders?
4 Tim Barker took his youth group to Hill Country Camp in
the early 1990s where Mr. Savala was a camp counselor. Did 18 W hat led to the selection of Daniel Young, the former
Mr. Barker know of Daniel back then? campus pastor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley,
to cover Mr. Savala’s $10,000 bail and to serves as his official
5 Did Daniel Savala undergo a background check at South chaperon in Texas?
Texas Kerrville camp, any of the Chi Alpha campuses, or
Mountain Valley Fellowship Churches? 19 A
G and XA sources have repeatedly asserted that students
were no longer encouraged to interact with Mr. Savala
6 W ho initially introduced Eric Treuil to Mr. Savala at the after his 2012 conviction. If this is accurate, why were there
University of Louisiana (USL) at Lafayette Chi Alpha? student mission trips promoted by multiple XA chapters in
the subsequent years to assist Daniel?
7 How long was Daniel Savala allowed to work with the USL
Chi Alpha? 20 W hat was the official Chi Alpha Sam Houston State
University statement and who did leadership inform about
8 Suppose Mr. Savala was not a Chi Alpha minister. What Mr. Savala’s 2012 conviction?
leadership role did he hold in 1989 at the University of
Southwestern Louisiana, where he is mentioned alongside 21 H
ow many Chi Alpha leadership retreats did Daniel attend
Eric and Anabelle Treuil as a Chi Alpha staff member in or organize at his home? Multiple pictures after 2012 depict
their university publication “L’Acadien”? Chi Alpha leadership at Mr. Savala’s residence with one
image stating, “Our new favorite place.”
9 W hat specifically did Eric Treuil say about Mr. Savala to
Eli Gautreaux, the Campus Pastor at Sam Houston State 22 H
ow many campus pastors brought their small groups to
University, in 1996 to encourage Eli to meet Daniel? Daniel’s home after he became a registered sex offender?
There are images of multiple university campus pastors and
10 In 1997, at Sam Houston Chi Alpha, what was Mr. Savala’s students up to 2022 taking groups to Mr. Savala’s.
official or unofficial title or role that made him a prominent
figure/leader? 23 I n 2016, someone initiated a Title IX investigation following
a victim’s report of alleged molestation by Mr. Savala. What
11 Does the national Chi Alpha organization and the details about Daniel Savala were included in the letter from
Assemblies of God have knowledge of Daniel Savala being SHSU via Dean Yarbrough to students and leadership?
officially recognized as a trusted leader and mentor within the
group, as evidenced by his inclusion within the foundation of 24 Were there efforts made to question current and former Chi
the Sam Houston State university's leadership organizational Alpha students to determine if any instances of abuse had
chart, which comprises of hundreds of small group leader previously taken place? If not, why not?
names? Has Chi Alpha contacted every name on this list?
25 Were students provided a secure, anonymous, and non-
12 Daniel Savala has not held a job for 40 years. In what specific punitive channel to express their concerns or observations to
ways did Chi Alpha provide Mr. Savala with a platform to impartial leadership? If not, why not?
speak, financial support, or access to student labor resources
documented in the numerous mission trips to his residence?
info@[Link] THE OFFICIAL FORUM FOR CHI ALPHA
SPIRITUAL AND SEXUAL ABUSE.
October 31, 2023 X A LIO N SD E N.C O M
26 Did the Assemblies of God and national Chi Alpha leaders 39 I n 2016, after the Title IX investigation at Sam Houston
receive prior notifications or warnings about Daniel before State University, Did any of the 200+ Chi Alpha leaders
the whistle blower letters in 2018? challenge the prevailing narrative concerning Mr. Savala or
exhibit curiosity about the opposing viewpoint?
27 Were measures implemented to alert other Chi Alpha
ministers who had interacted with Mr. Savala since 1989? 40 D
oes Chi Alpha have exact donation records with the gross
funds given to Mr. Savala for the last 25+ years?
28 Suppose students were indeed discouraged from spending
time with Mr. Savala. Why did the leadership of Sam 41 W hy didn’t Chi Alpha establish a national hotline for
Houston, Texas A&M, University of Texas Rio Grand victims following the conclusion of a Title IX investigation
Valley, Baylor, A&M Corpus Christi, University of at Sam Houston State University in 2016?
Houston, and Rice University Chi Alpha's maintain close
connections with other ministers by safeguarding Daniel's 42 W hen a whistle blower reached out to Eli Gautreaux on
reputation and not disseminating information about his Facebook to discuss concerns related to Daniel Savala, Eli
criminal convictions more broadly? initially informed them that he would be available to talk
in a few weeks. After two weeks, someone had deleted Eli’s
29 Mr. Savala’s indictment occurred in 2010. If Daniel Young, Facebook page. What was the reason behind this decision to
Eli Gautreaux, and Eli Stewart were “official” staff at that delete his page?
time, would that have created a massive conflict of interest
and put both XA and the AG in a highly compromising and 43 Were there any reports of abuse (including physical assault)
dangerous legal position? made against Eli Stewart or any other XA/AG Pastor
involved in this scandal before April 2023?
30 Did Eli Gautreaux inform his direct up-line leader of the
concerted effort to raise money for Daniel Savala’s legal 44 I n 2018, E. Scott Martin, the Chi Alpha National Director,
defense? If not, why not? indicated in a letter to a concerned former Chi Alpha leader
that they would implement a mandatory reporting policy
31 E
li Stewart brought Daniel to the Texas A&M campus and for all sexual abuse cases. Has this program been successfully
Mountain Valley Fellowship until 2022. Did Mr. Stewart implemented, and when was it officially launched?
create an official legal document that would have permitted
Mr. Savala to safely attend his church, as previous Assemblies 45 To whom do Chi Alpha campus pastors and district
of God ministerial standards recommended? If yes, who was leadership answer or report regarding accountability?
overseeing Daniel's participation in church activities?
46 What mechanisms or safeguards exist within Chi Alpha to
32 If not, what progressive disciplinary measures are typically address instances where there is information about a campus
applied to AG ministers when they deliberately and pastor or leader engaging in inappropriate conduct?
knowingly breach ministerial standards?
47 W hat is the formal National Chi Alpha process for
33 Even though it is not an AG-affiliated church, Eli Stewart becoming a small group leader?
and Daniel Savala served in the Bridgeport Chapel Youth
Group in Oregon. Has any effort been made to contact 48 G
iven that many interns and campus pastors struggle
this, or any other, church to inform them about Mr. Savala’s to secure full financial support for themselves and their
criminal convictions? families, why doesn’t Chi Alpha allow interns and other
leaders to hold part-time jobs?
34 How many out-of-state and out-of-country ministry trips
did Mr. Savala take with Chi Alpha’s leadership? Has any 49 H
ow does E. Scott Martin plan to address the harm
effort been made to contact the churches they ministered to experienced by individuals who have come forward as
inform them about Mr. Savala’s criminal convictions? victims between 2018 and the present, considering that he
was aware of the information provided to him 5 years ago
and took limited action?
Questions For Chi Alpha Leadership
50 H
ave former Chi Alpha Students and Leaders from affected
Questions #35-69 delve into the concerning culture within Chi campuses been proactively reached out to and informed of
Alpha and the apprehensions surrounding teachings that appear to the seriousness of the situation and provided information on
endorse the acceptance of perversion and spiritual abuse, potentially how to get help and report any issues of spiritual or sexual
culminating in instances of sexual abuse. Abuse that they experienced while involved with XA?
35 W hy is the teaching of submission to authority so heavily 51 The primary goal of a university student is to obtain their
promoted within Chi Alpha? And, has Chi Alpha ever degree. However, why is there significant pressure and
provided formal training to recognize spiritual abuse? manipulation placed on students to prioritize Chi Alpha?
36 Has Chi Alpha ever provided formal training on recognizing 52 P
astor Matt Hoogendorn at the University of Houston
sexual abuse? If so, do all leaders, interns, and students in Chi knew of Daniel Savala’s status as a registered sex offender.
Alpha know the official procedure for reporting instances of Why didn’t he inform Chi Alpha students and interns about
sexual abuse? If not, why not? Mr. Savala's criminal status when they considered renting a
room from Daniel?
37 W hy did Chi Alpha’s leadership solely rely on Eli Stewart’s
account of events in the 2012 Alaska sexual abuse case? 53 E
li Gautreaux and Jason Bell claimed they distanced
themselves from Daniel Savala after his 2012 conviction.
38 Did any Chi Alpha leaders reach out to the Ketchikan However, multiple testimonies contradicted this account.
district attorney or the journalist who authored the “Savala Was there ever an inquiry to determine the veracity of their
gets 90 days in jail” article, Clover Pass Church, or the statements and whether they were genuinely safeguarding
families of survivors to obtain their perspective on the story? the students under their care?
If not, could you please explain the reason for this?
info@[Link] THE OFFICIAL FORUM FOR CHI ALPHA
SPIRITUAL AND SEXUAL ABUSE.
October 31, 2023 X A LIO N SD E N.C O M
54 What information are current Chi Alpha students and 67 I s Chi Alpha or the Assemblies of God taking steps to reach
leaders receiving about this situation on affected campuses? out to every student from the past 30 years who interacted
Is the situation being communicated clearly with full detail? with Daniel or had connections to Sam Houston State
Are they being discouraged from visiting websites raising University and other relevant campuses?
awareness and giving a voice to abuse victims?
68 H
ow does Chi Alpha define fruit and spiritual maturity in
55 If Chi Alpha leadership at Sam Houston indeed distanced regards to placing students in roles of leadership?
themselves from Mr. Savala in 2012, why did they display
a video of Daniel Savala reprimanding a student leader at 69 W hat does it reveal about the spiritual maturity of
the XA Film Festival later that same year after Mr. Savala’s numerous campus pastors within Chi Alpha that could
conviction in front of hundreds of people? not discern the deceitful nature of Daniel Savala, who was
masquerading for 30 years as a holy man of God?
56 W hen Daniel’s home caught fire in 2015, how much of
the funding for the repairs was contributed by Chi Alpha
sources and through student labor? Questions For The Assemblies of God
57 We have discovered that Daniel used his home sauna, built Questions #70-89 address the core tactics and arguments of the
by Chi Alpha leaders/students, to groom and sexually abuse Assembly of God organization in handling Chi Alpha's spiritual and
students. Does it raise concern that nine different Chi Alpha sexual abuse scandal.
leaders have saunas at their residences?
70 I n an organization where a known convicted sex offender is
58 D uring a National Chi Alpha podcast with Jonathan Bryce involved, especially among students and young individuals,
and Daniel Young after 2016, did XA national training how many members of the organization's leadership need to
director, Alex Rodriguez (also a SHSU former Chi Alpha be informed before taking action to halt their involvement?
leader) question why they had promoted Daniel Savala as
their mentor, given that Chi Alpha had distanced itself from 71 D
id the Assemblies of God and the Chi Alpha organization
Mr. Savala in 2012? train their leaders regarding the significance of following
protocol and the proper steps to take as soon as they become
59 Are there any intentions to conduct an internal audit to aware of a potential abuse issue?
investigate whether Eli Gautreaux, Eli Stewart, Jonathan
Bryce (Mountain Valley Fellowship elders), Chris Hundl, 72 A
fter the AG or XA becomes aware of abuse allegations,
Johnny Hauck, or any other Chi Alpha leader has what policies are in place to investigate and hold accountable
potentially misappropriated church or ministry funds? those who have perpetrated the abuse so no further parties
are harmed?
60 Is there an established policy within Chi Alpha concerning
utilizing the physical labor of students and interns to 73 D
o those policies prevent retaliation against those who
enhance or maintain the personal residences and rental bring forward abuse allegations? At least one Chi Alpha
properties of Chi Alpha ministers/pastors? campus missionary was fired for bringing concerns to
campus leadership about Daniel, and others have been
61 W hy are individuals with close affiliations to dismissed Chi ostracized, shunned, and shamed for raising concerns.
Alpha leaders, whether they are immediate or extended
family members, still allowed to participate in ministry and 74 I s silence rewarded, or is it acceptable for ministers and their
work within Chi Alpha? representatives, who hold the authority to vote and express
their opinions, to stay silent once abuse is exposed?
62 W hy did E. Scott Martin, in his letter to a whistle blower,
assert that “no inappropriate behavior involving any student 75 A
re there established penalties or consequences for
or staff member associated with Chi Alpha concerning Mr. individuals who publicly raise questions and challenge
Savala had been reported,” yet in the following sentence, organizational leadership?
mention that Sam Houston State University conducted a
Title IX investigation regarding Mr. Savala? What was the 76 Is it deemed acceptable to refrain from publicly
reason for the Title IX investigation if no inappropriate acknowledging and praying for known victims due to legal
behavior had been reported? advice, ongoing investigations, and potential liabilities while
simultaneously offering public prayers for the organization
63 W hat were the findings of the 2016 Sam Houston State and highlighting its historical performance while
Title IX investigation? characterizing the scandal and the victims as a mere "hiccup"
on the continuum of ministry?
64 Was E. Scott Martin unaware that the XA North and
South District leaders had received personal discipleship 77 Were
the following National and District leaders informed
and mentoring from Mr. Savala? Did he not consider the and warned about Daniel Savala by a whistleblower in 2018?
potential conflict of interest? Did he engage in discussions Scott Martin, Esther Bevis, Crystal Martin, Gaylan Claunch,
with any other Chi Alpha leaders about this matter? Gregg Headley, Tim Barker, Don Wiehe, Jeffrey Alexander?
65 W hy wasn’t a formal investigation conducted in 2016 after 78 I n 2013, Tim Barker was approached by a whistle blower
Sam Houston State University presented the Title IX report? who disclosed Daniel's involvement with Chi Alpha.
Two whistle blowers who initiated the Title IX investigation, However, when questioned about it afterward, Mr. Barker
one was a former XA student/leader and a victim of sexual stated that he had "forgotten" to investigate." What is the
abuse by Mr. Savala—the whistleblower sent letters to all correct procedure for examining reports of abuse within the
local Assembly of God churches as a warning. Assemblies of God? Did Mr. Barker follow this procedure?
If not, why not? If yes, what are those results?
66 Was Chi Alpha leadership aware of the countless
testimonials from various campuses that have reported 79 Tim Barker is under scrutiny in the Chi Alpha (XA)
promoting the idea that you must be physically nude to investigation in South Texas. What was the rationale
be spiritually transparent? Common phrases are Nudity is behind permitting him to select the investigative firm?
Unity, Nude Source, and Sock Talk (the practice of placing a
sock upon the male genitals during bible studies).
info@[Link] THE OFFICIAL FORUM FOR CHI ALPHA
SPIRITUAL AND SEXUAL ABUSE.
October 31, 2023 X A LIO N SD E N.C O M
80 Suppose XA or the AG becomes aware of allegations of A Call To Action
sexual or financial misconduct involving a credential holder
or an individual entrusted with oversight and authority in Questions #90-95 are the conclusions to see a true reformation
a church or ministry. What procedure is implemented to within Chi Alpha and the Assemblies of God.
ascertain the accuracy or falsehood of these accusations?
90 I n light of the fact that approximately a dozen Chi Alpha
81 W hat prompted E. Scott Martin, the National XA director, pastors and church leaders have experienced dismissals,
to appoint Eli Stewart as North Texas District Chi Alpha suspensions, or resignations, is the Assemblies of God
leader after 2016? Mr. Stewart’s testimonial that Daniel general counsel still inclined to accept E. Scott Martin's
Savala is Eli’s best friend and continued to expose Chi narrative that Daniel Savala's influence was limited to only
Alpha students and the Mountain Valley Fellowship church some of the leaders?
community to Mr. Savala up to 2023.
91 Why haven’t Chi Alpha groups in regions influenced by
82 Why wasn't a genuinely independent investigation Daniel Savala not taken the proactive measure of temporarily
commissioned in 2023, rather than hiring a law firm that suspending their operations to assess the extent of harm,
inherently has a fiduciary duty to their client and typically reexamine their guiding principles, and resume their activities
needs more training in trauma-informed interviewing? under new leadership? Such a step would emphasize the
seriousness of the situation for the internal and external
83 W hy were the whistleblowers instructed to send their tips stakeholders associated with the Assemblies of God.
to an Assemblies of God email address? Wouldn't this
create the perception of a conflict of interest in a genuinely 92 Will all Assemblies of God pastors receive notification and
independent investigation? unrestricted access to the final investigation report produced
by the Foley Law Firm, along with its recommendations for
84 W hy were the moderators of the XA Lions Den and certain the South Texas Assembly of God (STXAG)?
survivors not included in interviews carried out by the Foley
Law Firm, despite the moderators' persistent attempts to 93 I s there a plan to create a national committee comprised of
participate through emails and phone calls, demonstrating respected and seasoned Chi Alpha directors from the entire
their strong willingness to contribute to the process? Assembly of God (AG) organization, influential pastors,
and other trustworthy leaders? The committee would be
85 If the Assembly of God organization operates with a responsible for reviewing, assessing, and implementing
bottom-up, rather than a top-down, policy approach, why is necessary reforms, such as adjustments to training materials
asking questions and seeking answers perceived as an attack and job descriptions. Moreover, will the identities of the
on leadership? committee members be made publicly available?
86 W
ould the response from XA or AG leadership be 94 W hen will a national response be made from the Assemblies
consistent, or would they choose to stay silent or take a "wait of God and Chi Alpha about the well-being of the victims as
and observe" stance if it were your own child or grandchild its foremost priority?
who attended a church or Chi Alpha and fell victim to
grooming and abuse by a predator? 95 S ome would ask, "What's happening today in Chi Alpha
that makes it unsafe for my young adult to attend?" Is it
87 W hy have only three out of 37,774 Assembly of God possible for parents to maintain confidence in their child's
ministers taken a public stand and spoken out on behalf of safety when the leadership at both the national and campus
the victims, advocating for accountability? levels of Chi Alpha and the Assemblies of God continues
to be employed, especially in light of multiple allegations
88 C
onsidering that there are many dedicated individuals involving Daniel Savala and other Chi Alpha members'
within the Assemblies of God and Chi Alpha, what does it involvement in the grooming and sexual abuse of students?
signify when many pastors and Chi Alpha leaders choose to
remain silent or are hesitant to voice their concerns due to
fears of retaliation or financial repercussions? Father, we know revival is a time that brings both comfort and
uncovering. It reveals the true intent of the heart. We ask that
89 Has the Assemblies of God attempted to investigate AG you flip the tables in our lives, that your goodness would bring
churches and foreign missionaries with former Chi Alpha us to repentance. You discipline those you love. We ask that you
leaders who were either friends or mentees of Daniel Savala, bring justice and healing for the victims, survivors, and all those
Eli Stewart, or any dismissed XA campus pastors? involved. Bring a true reformation in this 21st Century.
In The Name of Our Lord. Amen.
Why Asking Questions Matters Universities Impacted by the Influence of Daniel Savala:
• Sam Houston State University
O ne of the hallmarks of a healthy ministry or church is the
freedom to question leadership and the ability to exercise
independent thought. This principle contrasts the "don’t think,
• Texas A&M at College Station
• Baylor University
• University of Texas San Antonio
just obey" or “just trust leadership” mentality that spiritually • University of Houston
abusive ministries often promote. • Rice University
• Texas A&M at Corpus Christi
Truth is paramount, especially within the body of Christ and • University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley
church leadership. The ability to ask questions and hold leaders • Texas A&M at Kingsville
accountable is not a sign of rebellion but an expression of genuine • Angelo State University
concern for the congregation and university students' welfare. •U niversity of Louisiana Lafayette,
Please share this document within your community and show We cannot know the exact influence Daniel and his teachings have
your support for the survivors at [Link]. had on thousands of students worldwide.
info@[Link] THE OFFICIAL FORUM FOR CHI ALPHA
SPIRITUAL AND SEXUAL ABUSE.