Gifted English writer and pastor best known for the devotional culled
from his writings
My Utmost for His Highest.
Born in Scotland in 1874, Chambers went to college at the University
of Edinburg. At 22, Chambers felt called into the ministry and attended
the theological college in Dunoon. Chambers taught for a time at
the same college and began a preaching ministry that took him to
Europe, Japan, and the United States.
It was during his trip to the United States that Chambers met,
Gertrude Hobbs, also known as Biddy. The two became fast friends
and by the end of the voyage were in love. The two were married in
1910 and later that year opened a bible college in London. The college
flourished under Chambers' guidance and was the home to many students
and visiting missionaries.
When World War I broke out, Chambers became chaplain to the British forces
in Egypt, moving his family which now included a daughter Kathleen in 1915.
He taught and ministered to the troops in Egypt, gaining the respect of
both the enlisted men as well as the officers.
In 1917, Chambers underwent surgery to remove his appendix. He experienced
complications from the surgery and died later that same year. His wife's
telegram to their families in England most movingly expresses the family's
commitment to God and the hope they had in his death: "Oswald, in His presence."
Biddy returned to England and over the next few years, transcribed the
notes that she had taken during Chambers time as a minister. These notes
were eventually published, preserving the works of her husband. In 1923,
My Utmost for His Highest was first published and has stayed in print
from that point until now.