Weighty XA News & Lessons from A Tree

  We want to inform friends & supporters of the heavy news regarding the sexual allegations and the subsequent arrest of Daniel Savala in Houston. While Mr. Savala was not involved with our Chi Alpha group nor was he an Assemblies of God minister, we mourn with everyone affected by his actions. I again want to clarify that no Longhorn XA staff or students to my knowledge in my 35 years had a relationship connection with Mr. Savala or participated in any of the activities under scrutiny.

  Investigations are ongoing with law enforcement and our A/G leaders (state & national), and we may be unable to address all questions. If you have pertinent information surrounding these matters, please email reports@northtexas.ag and, if appropriate, notify law enforcement.

How does this news impact Kelly’s role?

  With this news, significant XA changes have recently followed since May. Dick Herman now serves as our interim North Texas District XA Director while continuing to be the Texas State U XA Director (San Marcos). I have personally known Dick & his wife Lisa for decades and I am grateful for their godly, steadfast leadership in this difficult hour that demands great humility and integrity.

  The former NTD District XA director who Dick Herman replaced was my overseer for the new XA Church & Marketplace initiative. Dick & other A/G leaders have asked that I continue to develop our Church & Marketplace initiative AND step back into the role as Longhorn XA Director for an interim season. I am filled with faith for both of these roles in this next school year, but plead for prayer support as we aim to make Jesus’ name ‘hallowed’ on campuses this year... “Hallowed be Thy Name!”

Why the Tree Picture?

  Like the centuries-old, majestic ‘Battle Oaks’ that fill the Texas hill-country, this 2,000 year old olive tree that Patricia & I touched on the Mt. of Olives has proverbially “seen it all!” This reality reminds me of Solomon’s life insight, “There is nothing new under the sun.” If only this bi-millennial eye-witness from Gethsemane could talk… or type a blog! I’d subscribe! It might share a happy memory of first-century Passover pilgrims’ children playing hide-n-seek. Or, might it tell of how its young roots quaked with the drops of bloody sweat from the Savior’s brow on the eve of His arrest? 

The Psalms 1 tree tells a story worth heeding in times like these:

  "1 Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! 2 But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, And on His Law he meditates day and night. 3 He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers."