[Editor’s Note: February, 2021 is the 76th anniversary of the U.S. Marine invasion of Iwo Jima. In this column WN&PR, recounts the story of one of America’s most famous battles of WWII, with the story of 2 brothers from Southern Arizona. It is also a story about America’s rise to power in the latter half of the 20th Century, in fulfillment of Bible Prophecy]
Dave Lowell, of Rio Rico, Arizona, is probably the greatest explorer of the 20th century. Mr. Lowell passed away May, 2020 at the age of 92. Unless you are a geology or mining buff, or University of Arizona graduate, he is probably unknown to you.
Through the latter half of the 20th Century, Dave Lowell personally discovered more copper ore — billions of ounces of the metal, a precious resource that helped fuel the recovery of the industrialized world. He became wealthy as a consultant to dozens of mining companies.
George Davis, of the University of Arizona Department of Geosciences wrote of Lowell:
“Ore deposit discoveries for which he is solely credited are Kalamazoo, Vekol, and Casa Grande (Arizona); Los Calatos, Pierina, and Toromocho (Peru); Escondida and Zaldívar (Chile); Mirador (Ecuador); and Alto Paraná (Paraguay). Lowell discoveries made with contributions of others include Bajo Alumbrera (Argentina); Dizon (Phillippines); JA Orebody (Canada); San Cristobal and Leonor (Chile); and Warintza (Equador). “He has personally discovered more copper than anyone in history and developed multibillion-dollar gold and copper mines that have changed the economies of nations,” says Joaquin Ruiz.”
“Mark Barton, Co-Director of the Lowell Institute for Mineral Resources and Professor of Geosciences writes, “Dave was the most successful explorer of the last 60 years, having discovered, or co-discovered at least 12 major ore bodies that have become major mines including the world’s largest copper district, Escondida (Chile). Not only an explorer, he made major contributions to the science, notably through his synthesis and applications of alteration zoning in porphyry copper systems. These concepts, first expressed in his 1970 paper with John Guilbert, are key in the exploration of porphyry copper deposits and have been applied by generations of geologists worldwide. Dave captured his experiences in ‘The Intrepid Explorer’ and later summed up his career as a contrarian explorer as the Lacy Distinguished Lecturer at the University of Arizona in 2013.” “
Dave Lowell became very successful. But without the work of his older brother Dave, and thousands of others involved in the war effort, he wouldn’t have become so accomplished. Dave and his wife Edith, donated tens of millions of dollars to the University of Arizona School of Mining and Athletic Departments.
Bill Lowell, Dave Lowell’s older brother, played on the 1942 University of Arizona football team — the last team fielded by the University until after the war. Bill was also a track and field star, becoming Conference Champion in the shot put. But after that 1942 season, Bill, along with some teammates, became champions in something else.
Saving the world.
Iwo Jima, an island 750 miles off the Japanese mainland was site of one the most famous battles of WWII. 70,000 Marines landed in the amphibious assault, including 2nd Lieutenant Bill Howell, a member of the newly formed 5th Marines division.
History records a less than expected resistance from the Japanese forces — initially. But soon after, those in this Pacific “D” Day invasion found out the reason; the 22,000 Japanese troops were well dug in, literally, and could move around the island through an intricate series of tunnels and caves, in some areas two or three stories beneath the surface. The month-long battle is often referred to as one of the fiercest of WWII. Many of the Japanese troops were hidden, and were able to confront the landed marines in unexpected positions. The raising of the American flag on Mount Suribachi would become a symbol of American will and bravery. Several weeks into the conflict, Bill Lowell, only 22 years old, was killed in action.
After the war, Dave Lowell played football for one season, 1945, playing on an undefeated 5-0 Wildcat team in a shortened campaign. A geology professor took him aside and suggested that Lowell’s real future might lie in the mining industry. A great piece of advice!
One of the Lowell’s gifts to the University of Arizona was a $2.5 million donation to build a practice gymnasium for the volleyball and basketball teams. Lowell’s lone request was the inclusion of a Memorial to honor Bill and two other teammates from the 1942 team who died in battles of WWII, Rue Mattice and Stanley Petropolis.
This was the “Greatest Generation.” They saved the world from the grip of tyranny, and then went to work, rebuilding the nation, and the world. Bill Lowell’s sacrifice made possible his brother Dave’s success.
Micah 5:7-13 is a prophecy of the end time prowess, power and majesty of the descendants of the Biblical patriarch Jacob:
“Then the remnant of Jacob Shall be in the midst of many peoples, Like dew from the Lord, Like showers on the grass, That tarry for no man Nor wait for the sons of men. “
This prophecy shows the rise to prominence of Jacob’s descendants, more powerful and prosperous than any other nation, but also a blessing to all nations as well. This perfectly describes the English speaking people of the 20th Century, as Americans, Canadians, British, Australians, New Zealanders, along with other allies, combined to defeat despotism over 100 years in two major World Wars.
8 And the remnant of Jacob Shall be among the Gentiles, In the midst of many peoples, Like a lion among the beasts of the forest, Like a young lion among flocks of sheep, Who, if he passes through, Both treads down and tears in pieces, And none can deliver. 9 Your hand shall be lifted against your adversaries, And all your enemies shall be cut off.”
A key phrase is “Who, if he passes through.” America and the British Commonwealth of Nations didn’t oppress the rest of the world, but when the fight came, these nations, and brave men like Bill Lowell knew their only recourse was to preserve liberty at all costs!
World News & Prophecy Report pays tribute to the brave generations of men and women who have defended freedom, and in the process enabled mankind access to progress and development into the 21st Century. But Bible Prophecy also shows that the blessings enjoyed by our people are in danger of being removed!
10 “And it shall be in that day,” says the Lord, “That I will cut off our horses from your midst And destroy your chariots. 11 I will cut off the cities of your land And throw down all your strongholds. 12 I will cut off sorceries from your hand, And you shall have no soothsayers. 13 Your carved images I will also cut off, And your sacred pillars from your midst; You shall no more worship the work of your hands;“
Are we close to the fulfillment of this part of the prophecy of Micah? If so, the duty of those who read these words is to look to God.
Isaiah 55:6 “Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon“
IF the descendants of Jacob are indeed the English speaking people of the earth, and IF you believe these nations and people have been abundantly blessed by God, but are now losing their way — as an individual, you can seek God — while he may be found!
World News & Prophecy Review gives special thanks to all veterans and first responders on this anniversary month of the invasion and victory of Iwo Jima!
WN&PR