ANN ARBOR, MI — The University of Michigan is known for its academic prestige, powerhouse football program, cultural influence, and being profoundly secular. For many young Christian men, that reality can feel isolating or discouraging.
But for Samuel Yake, that challenge has become the soil in which his faith has most flourished.
Sam describes Michigan simply: “It’s very secular in every way.” Yet that challenge became the catalyst for deeper pursuit. “The Christian men we do get here,” Sam reflects, “are the real deal.”
And that’s where Beta Upsilon Chi (BYX) comes into Sam’s story.
At Michigan, BYX is not merely a Christian fraternity. It is a band of brothers who live faithfully and lead courageously where it is hardest. A typical month in the Michigan chapter looks joyful, unified, and full of life.
They host pledge events. They gather socially at the chapter house. They eat late-night Taco Bell. They share the gospel of Jesus Christ on campus. They laugh, relax, and share the everyday moments that form true friendship.
Sam shared that at any moment, he can strike up a conversation about Scripture with any brother in the house. If he’s reading something confusing, challenging, or convicting in the Bible, he knows there’s someone he can talk with. That accessibility to spiritual conversation is a rare gift on any campus, and it has shaped him deeply.
One of the most fomrational experiences for Sam came at Regional Retreat, where he heard teaching on vulnerability — opening one’s heart before God and before trusted brothers.
That message changed him.
“It kind of came down to ripping off the band-aid,” Sam says. “Just sharing stuff.”
What followed was tears, closeness, and a deeper brotherhood than he had known before. Vulnerability didn’t weaken their friendships but strengthened them.
The Lord’s work through BYX Regionals helped Sam experience Psalm 133 firsthand: “How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity!”
Back on campus at Michigan, Sam sees signs of spiritual renewal.
Some campus ministries are thriving. Many BYX men are also involved in them, and Sam says that these ministries provide a powerful witness to Christ on campus.
“It’s electric,” Sam says. “Seeing people worship the Lord who aren’t even in BYX gives me a lot of hope.”
Sam served as chaplain for his chapter — a role that has pushed him to grow in humility, courage, and spiritual depth. He describes moments when he stood before the chapter and learned to speak difficult truths: “Sometimes we need a culture correction,” he says.
Whether addressing the chapter, discussing Scripture in small groups, or speaking up in class, Sam is discovering his voice as a leader.
He celebrates mentors within BYX, namely his big bro and the men in his cell group. These brothers have walked with him, listened to him, and bled with him spiritually as they pursued Christ together.
And Sam’s spiritual curiosity is deepening. After Regional Brotherhood Retreat teaching on the life of David, he began studying 1 Samuel and watching Wonder Project’s “House of David”. What captivated him most was David’s willingness to step out in faith — even when young, unknown, or seemingly inexperienced.
Sam is studying environmental science, hoping to build a career in conservation or forestry — a natural fit for a young man who loves Michigan’s wild places.
Five years from now, he hopes to be established in a meaningful career, possibly married, and beginning a family grounded in Christ.
But more than anything, Sam wants to remain faithful. He asks for prayer that he would walk closely with the Lord in every season — especially in the times when God feels distant.
On a campus where Christian faith can be misunderstood or dismissed, Sam is flourishing. His life reflects the truth that when Christ shines through a young man, no cultural environment can extinguish that light.
Samuel Yake is a BYX man.