Reflecting the unconditional love of Jesus is the example that Dominic Bradford from Chicago seeks to live his life by. From excelling in football since the sixth grade and now playing the sport at a college level, Dominic seeks to infuse the message of Jesus into everything he does. 

Born and raised in Chicago, Dominic first met The Salvation Army when his family heard the news of the Chicago Kroc Center being built in the Morgan Park neighborhood years ago. Dominic’s mother thought it would be a safe and welcoming place; her family philosophy of helping others made the Kroc Church a natural fit for their family. 

Dominic started attending sports programs and quickly became involved in the Kroc Center, attending Youth Councils and surrounding himself with others who taught him about God. “I wanted to be in those spaces with the older kids and learn more about God,” says Dominic. “I would sit in the adult Bible studies and try to answer the questions that they had, and that made me ask the question, ‘How can I pursue God as a young person?’” 

Before attending college, Dominic  worked as a youth counselor at the Kroc Center and sought to reciprocate the love that he was shown by mentors and officers (pastors). “I wanted to show kids how to have fun and still know who your Lord and Savior is.” 

As a decorated football and rugby player, Dominic, or “Debo” as known to his teammates, has seen success and hardship on the field. He sustained a major knee injury that could have ruled out any future sports career. During his recovery, Dominic battled with depression and questioned God’s plan for his life. During his remarkable recovery, his mom would sing gospel songs to him, and Dominic came to realize that God still had a plan for his future. 

As he now prepares to graduate with his associate’s degree with hopes of playing semi-pro college football, Dominic encourages others to trust in God’s plan. “Know that His love is constant, and if we have faith, even as small as a mustard seed, we are already promised the victory in His name.”