Fraternity, Friendship, & Forgiveness: Max’s Story

At the University of Indiana, the Greek system is one of the largest in the country. During the 2024-2025 school year, two students named Mike and Ned decided to start a Bible study in their fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon. They hoped they could help their brothers follow Jesus like they had.  

"Jesus changed my life, and I wanted God to use me to show my fraternity brothers who he is," Ned said.  

Before they knew it, the Bible study grew exponentially. More than that, members of the small group began reading Scripture on their own, and two discipleship groups were birthed out of a desire the men had to learn how to live out their faith in their daily lives.  

By the end of the school year 60 students — nearly half of the fraternity — were involved in the Bible study. And eight gave their lives to Jesus.  

One of them was Max.  

An Invitation at Just the Right Time  

For most of college, Max lived the college lifestyle many might expect: working hard and playing harder. “Girls, partying, success — you name it, I chased it,” he said. “But in the end, I came up empty." 

Despite growing up atheist and having no religious background at all, he decided to pray. 
"For whatever reason, I asked God if he was real, show me,” Max said. Just twenty minutes later, he received a text from his friend and fraternity brother, Mike, inviting him to Bible Study. 

When Max attended Bible study for the first time, Mike and Ned could sense God was at work. "Max started asking questions about faith and what it meant to be a Christian,” Mike said, “I could feel his hunger for something more."  

As Max continued going to Bible study each week, he began to realize he had a lot of misconceptions about faith and about who Jesus is. Soon after, Mike and Ned invited Max to go with them to Greek InterVarsity’s national conference.  
 

A Moment to Never Forget  

At Greek Conference, Max spent the weekend immersed in Scripture, prayer, and more discussions about who Jesus is and why he matters.  

This was a turning point for Max. The conference sessions brought a new sense of clarity, and he was intrigued by the idea of experiencing intimacy with God.  

"Through prayer and reflection, I felt incredibly grounded and in touch with God," Max said. 
 
During the main session on Saturday evening of the conference, the speaker extended an invitation to follow Jesus to every student. Max stood, and Mike and Ned stood alongside him, showing their support.  

"When Max stood, [my] tears started pouring down,” Ned said. “I was overtaken with emotion and overwhelmed by God's presence and joy.”  

"To see one of my best friends commit to Jesus is something I'll truly never forget. It's the best memory I'll have from college,” Mike said.   

A Weight Lifted 

Now back on campus, Mike and Ned continue to faithfully lead and prepare for their fraternity Bible study each week. And Max prepares it with them.  

Not only is Max deepening his own relationship with God, but his new faith is changing the way he lives daily and is influencing others. He loves to share his faith and isn’t afraid to tell his story. He even had the opportunity to share what God has done in his life in front of over 150 other students from various fraternities and sororities last semester. 

"Growing up atheist led to a lot of misunderstandings about Jesus and selfish decisions,” Max said.  Now, I have much less desire to go down those old paths. I feel lighter, like a weight’s been lifted, knowing I’m forgiven.”  

To help more students experience the love and forgiveness of Jesus, consider supporting InterVarsity’s ministry on campus today.