"Rudy Raymond Simmons’ book, Stumbling Blocks to Stepping Stones is a timely testimony that could help primarily young people facing the unknowns of life.
The author described excellently the circumstances of life- difficulties and success, very honestly, realistically. He is not blaming others but forces on himself.
As a Christian adult he includes numerous bible passages as well as quotes from Helen Keller, Mahatma Ghandi, Mark Twain and Nelson Mandella. His involvement and service with the Salvation Army is very positive and his 10 basic principles for life are recommendable.
I give the book four stars."
— Manfred W. Kohl, ThD
Ambassador, Overseas Council
President/CEO, Re-Forma
Chairman of the Galilean Movement
Lausanne Catalyst for Integrity and Anti-Corruption
"An encouraging story of faith and overcoming life’s obstacles."
— Kirkus Reviews
"Looking back with compassion on a lifetime of challenges and mistakes, Stumbling Blocks to Stepping Stones is an insightful memoir."
— Foreword Clarion Reviews
“I would recommend this book to ALL who have or are facing setbacks in life. This book will give you hope for a journey to success in life.”
— Senior Pastor Dave Adams, Stoneridge Fellowship Church (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
“I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with the effects of abuse, poverty, violence, anger or any other destructive thoughts and habits. I would also recommend it to anyone who is seeking God or questioning His existence or His grace and love for all... Rudy has written a more honest and revealing book than most of us would be prepared to risk.”
— D. Orville Thamer, CD, Captain (RCN)(Ret), Retired Royal Canadian Navy Captain
“I found this book haunting, but inspirational. It is very raw at times and shows us that we all have critical choices to make which ultimately shape who we are and become… I give this book five 5 stars out of 5, and recommend it to EVERYONE, but especially to those struggling in life.”
— Lisa Singh, homemaker and mother
“This was a very heartfelt and touching book! I found myself having to pause often to clear the tears away. This book is a true testament of God’s wondrous love and ability to turn beauty from ashes… A very inspiring story!”
— Joseph Barkhouse, self-employed welder
“This book is a wonderful testimony to a faithful God who is able to help us navigate life’s trials. We all face difficulties of different magnitude and I think this book illustrates to us there is Divine help that we can access if we only believe and ask God for a way forward.”
— Janice C. Thamer, Retired Dental Hygienist
“This book is an inspiring read and definitely an eye opener! It is a powerful message for anyone everyone to apply to their own lives how Rudy came through so much with grit and faith in God inspired to write his story... I had tears and laughter and was encouraged many times as I read it. I would recommend this book to the world!! It is a testament of faith and shows if you never give up you can find success!!”
-- Bob Burke, Retired
“What a remarkable man to have come through so many fires in his life and victorious now, by the grace of God. To see how God had His hand on Rudy from birth!! It is a blessing that Rudy has written about his life, struggles, being real and open showing his victories so that others will learn and realize that no matter what, YOU CAN MAKE IT! Rudy is a testament to the power that is available if only we ask. I had tears and laughter and was encouraged many times as I read different incidents of Rudy’s life that for my own life I will keep going forward.”
— Debbie Burke, Halifax Travel Agent
The author described excellently the circumstances of life- difficulties and success, very honestly, realistically. He is not blaming others but forces on himself.
As a Christian adult he includes numerous bible passages as well as quotes from Helen Keller, Mahatma Ghandi, Mark Twain and Nelson Mandella. His involvement and service with the Salvation Army is very positive and his 10 basic principles for life are recommendable.
I give the book four stars."
— Manfred W. Kohl, ThD
Ambassador, Overseas Council
President/CEO, Re-Forma
Chairman of the Galilean Movement
Lausanne Catalyst for Integrity and Anti-Corruption
"An encouraging story of faith and overcoming life’s obstacles."
— Kirkus Reviews
"Looking back with compassion on a lifetime of challenges and mistakes, Stumbling Blocks to Stepping Stones is an insightful memoir."
— Foreword Clarion Reviews
“I would recommend this book to ALL who have or are facing setbacks in life. This book will give you hope for a journey to success in life.”
— Senior Pastor Dave Adams, Stoneridge Fellowship Church (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
“I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with the effects of abuse, poverty, violence, anger or any other destructive thoughts and habits. I would also recommend it to anyone who is seeking God or questioning His existence or His grace and love for all... Rudy has written a more honest and revealing book than most of us would be prepared to risk.”
— D. Orville Thamer, CD, Captain (RCN)(Ret), Retired Royal Canadian Navy Captain
“I found this book haunting, but inspirational. It is very raw at times and shows us that we all have critical choices to make which ultimately shape who we are and become… I give this book five 5 stars out of 5, and recommend it to EVERYONE, but especially to those struggling in life.”
— Lisa Singh, homemaker and mother
“This was a very heartfelt and touching book! I found myself having to pause often to clear the tears away. This book is a true testament of God’s wondrous love and ability to turn beauty from ashes… A very inspiring story!”
— Joseph Barkhouse, self-employed welder
“This book is a wonderful testimony to a faithful God who is able to help us navigate life’s trials. We all face difficulties of different magnitude and I think this book illustrates to us there is Divine help that we can access if we only believe and ask God for a way forward.”
— Janice C. Thamer, Retired Dental Hygienist
“This book is an inspiring read and definitely an eye opener! It is a powerful message for anyone everyone to apply to their own lives how Rudy came through so much with grit and faith in God inspired to write his story... I had tears and laughter and was encouraged many times as I read it. I would recommend this book to the world!! It is a testament of faith and shows if you never give up you can find success!!”
-- Bob Burke, Retired
“What a remarkable man to have come through so many fires in his life and victorious now, by the grace of God. To see how God had His hand on Rudy from birth!! It is a blessing that Rudy has written about his life, struggles, being real and open showing his victories so that others will learn and realize that no matter what, YOU CAN MAKE IT! Rudy is a testament to the power that is available if only we ask. I had tears and laughter and was encouraged many times as I read different incidents of Rudy’s life that for my own life I will keep going forward.”
— Debbie Burke, Halifax Travel Agent
~ Now Available ~
About the Author
The youngest of ten children, Rudy Simmons was born in 1957 in Deer Lake, Newfoundland. After a troubled childhood stamped by poverty and neglect, he attended vocational school for heavy equipment repair, after which he founded R&J Excavation Ltd. Feeling the call to full-time ministry a few years later, he pastored two churches, then became a street chaplain in Halifax, Nova Scotia. After experiencing burnout and hospitalization, in 1990 he started over by building Simmons Tractor Limited into the successful business he still owns today. Now retired, Rudy and his wife, Glad, of twenty-nine years, splits their time between Grand Lake Wellington, Nova Scotia, and Florida. Through life’s twists and turns, Rudy transformed stumbling blocks into stepping stones, a story he now shares to inspire others!
