Save spaws work, Tested it when I saw this tread, trick is not to move at all when in the game (new char) and nobody can hunt you.
as soon you move by just a step your no longer save.

Personally I would sugest making the spaw spot a spaw area were new players can move a little. (homestead size) its the first thing they are going to try..moving.

people looking for east pray will always be around be it next to the spaw spot or just beyond a save zone border.