Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Horne Jr
Hi Richard, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Detroit, Michigan as the third child of 4 children. . Life took a difficult turn when my parents divorced when I was just 12, which ultimately led to homelessness. During that time, I survived by sleeping in abandoned buildings , vacant garages and sleeping on flat rooftops when weather permitted. Often I would pretend to shop at grocery stores just to get something to eat. Those were lonely and painful years that forced me to grow up quickly.
At the age of 12 I was sent to juvenile detention for the first time for armed robbery and that cycle continued an additional 10 times until I turned 18 and was sentenced to adult prison. As an adult I was incarcerated in prison 3 times until I turned 27 yrs. Old. I found myself in and out of the system for armed robbery and other criminal acts. My life felt like a cycle of despair, but during my last prison stay everything changed for me. I gave my life to Christ Jesus and from that moment my life took a dramatic transformation. Surrendering to God gave me the strength and clarity to transform my mindset and start a new chapter.
After leaving prison, I met my amazing wife, and together we’ve raised one son and six beautiful daughters. They’ve been my biggest blessings and the greatest reminder of why I needed to change. My experiences—both the struggles and the lessons—led me to start a mentorship program, called Guiding God’s Children. Through this program, I aim to show kids that there are better ways to express themselves, use their talents, and pursue their gifts. I want them to know they don’t have to turn to the streets, sale themselves short in life or go down the lonely path I once walked. My goal is to be a living example that no matter how dark things may seem, there’s always hope and a way forward.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Life has thrown me more challenges than I could have ever imagined. Growing up homeless , living in the cold streets of Detroit, Mi after my parents’ divorce was one of the toughest things I had to endured. Sleeping in abandoned buildings and going hungry taught me early on how harsh life could be.
The cycle of being in and out of juvenile detention from age 12 to 18 only added to my struggle. I felt trapped in a life that seemed to have no way out, making choices that led me further down a path of loneliness and destruction. The turning point came during my last prison sentence. It was during that time that I found my Truth Christ Jesus and began to see a glimmer of hope for a better future.
Even after turning my life around, the road wasn’t easy. Adjusting to a new life, building a family, and creating something positive from all the pain I had experienced was a journey of its own. Creating Guiding God’s Children mentorship program came with its challenges too—learning how to connect with children and help them see their potential while overcoming the weight of my own past.
Every step of the way has been filled with obstacles, but I wouldn’t change any of it. The struggles shaped me into who I am today and gave me the strength to help others avoid the same pitfalls I had to endure.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My 501 C3 nonprofit Guiding God’s Children is a mentorship program designed to inspire and uplift the next generation. Our mission is to show young people that they don’t have to turn to the streets or make destructive choices to express themselves. We want to help them find their purpose, and help them achieve their dreams. We focus on helping children and young adults to discover their true gifts and give them an opportunity to show their gifts to inspire others.
What sets us apart is our personal connection to the struggles many of these kids face. I’ve walked the same road they are on, and I know how lonely and hopeless it can feel. That’s why I’m so passionate about creating a safe space for kids to grow, learn, and thrive. Our program includes workshops, events, and mentorship opportunities that encourage self-expression and personal growth. We also focus on community outreach to build a strong support network around the children we serve. I also do speaking engagement all over the world and if you would like for me to come and share my story please go to my website guidinggodschildren.org and submit a request for details. Also if you would like to see my full story, go to YouTube and type in Tired of surviving.
What I’m most proud of is how authentic and purpose-driven our organization is. This isn’t just a business—it’s a calling. Every event we host, every child we mentor, and every life we touch is a testament to the power of transformation of God’s grace.
To readers, I want you to know that Guiding God’s Children is more than just a mentorship program; it’s a movement. We’re here to change lives and show kids that their past doesn’t define their future. If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, we’d love to connect. And for those who want to support or partner with us, there’s always room to help make a difference in these children lives. Together, we can build a brighter future.
How do you define success?
I define success as living a life of purpose and making a positive impact on the lives of others. It’s not about wealth, status, or material things—it’s about using your gifts and experiences to uplift others. Fulfilling the calling God has placed on your my life is truly a blessing and brings daily rewards.
For me, success means seeing the children in my mentorship program and community grow into confident, talented, and purpose-driven individuals. It’s knowing that I’ve played a part in helping them avoid the mistakes I made and showing them a better way forward.
It’s also about spreading the word of God and sharing His love and grace with others. True success is seeing other people’s lives transformed—not just by my story, but by helping people develop their faith and relationship with God. I often reflect on Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” This verse is a constant reminder that true transformation starts with the heart and mind, aligning our lives with God’s purpose.
Success is also about providing for my family, being a good husband and father, and leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and resilience. It’s finding peace in knowing that no matter where I started, I’ve turned my life into something meaningful.
Ultimately, success is about transformation—not just in my own life, but in the lives of those I’m blessed to impact. If I can help even one person find their path, build their faith, and live out their potential through God, then I consider that true success.
Contact Info:
- Email: guidinggodschildrenoutreach@gmail.com
