How a Christian college ministry glorified a sex offender and enabled him to abuse students

Published on August 4, 2025

Title: The Dark Side of Christian College Ministries: How Daniel Savala Abused Students Under the Guise of Spirituality

In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in cases where religious leaders have used their positions to exploit and abuse vulnerable individuals under the guise of spiritual guidance. One such case is that of Daniel Savala, a convicted sex offender who managed to gain the trust of generations of Chi Alpha members at his Houston home by using scripture as a tool for deception.

Savala's modus operandi was simple yet effective: he would convince college students seeking spiritual guidance to open up about uncomfortable topics like pornography and masturbation, then use these discussions as an opportunity to touch their penises under the guise of bringing them closer to Jesus. In a video confession filmed in 2023, Savala admitted that while he knew his actions were wrong, he continued with them anyway because religion provided him with the perfect cover.

The question remains: how did so many pastors and young Christians put their faith in someone like Daniel Savala? The answer lies in the power dynamics within Christian college ministries where authority figures often hold significant influence over impressionable students seeking guidance on matters of faith. This dynamic can create a dangerous environment where predators like Savala are able to exploit vulnerabilities and manipulate trust.

The implications of this case are far-reaching, highlighting the need for better oversight within religious institutions and increased awareness among congregants about potential signs of abuse. It also underscores the importance of creating safe spaces where individuals can discuss sensitive topics without fear of exploitation or harm.

As we continue to grapple with these difficult issues, it is crucial that we remain vigilant in our efforts to protect vulnerable populations from predators who seek to take advantage of their faith for personal gain. Only by acknowledging the dark side of Christian college ministries can we hope to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Source: [Original Article](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/chi-alpha-texas-abuse-allegations-christian-missionary-sex-offender-rcna220069) #christian

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