Guard Towers and the Gita

Hare Krsna!
   So last night I finally got another copy of the Bhagavad-Gita, shortly
thereafter I had tower guard, so I decided to read a bit while in the tower.  I
pulled the BG out of my assault pack, opened it up and began to read, when my
buddy PFC Rivard asked me what I was reading.  I explained that the
Bhagavad-Gita is a song that was song by Sri Krsna to Arjuna, before the battle
between the Pandava’s and Kuru’s.  He very simply replied, “Huh?”
   So I explained a bit further and asked, “Would you like me to read a bit to
you?”
   ”Yes, please.”  He replied.
   So, I began thumbing through to find a good start.  Why not the beginning,
I thought to myself.  I went to the preface and began reading aloud, pausing
occasionally to explain.  We ended up reading the entire preface, introduction
and 1st chapter of the Bhagavad-Gita including all Sanskrit readings, during
the 4 hour guard shift.
   Today during our shift, one of PFC Rivard’s friends came up to the tower to
talk and hang out for a bit.  Rivard mentioned to him that we had been reading
the Bhagavad-Gita and he also became instantly interested.  He asked me to give
a lesson from the BG.
   A bit nervously I thought “What text would be most suitable for the
situation at hand?”
   I opened the Bhagavad-Gita and looked at the bottom of page 346:

                         Bhagavad-Gita, Chapter 7, Text 18
               Udara sarva evaite    jnani tv atmaiva me matam
             asthitahsa hi yuktatma    mam evanuttamam gatim

   All of these devotees are undoubtedly magnanimous souls, but he
   who is situated in knowledge of me I consider to be just like My
   own self.  Being engaged in My transcendental service, he is sure to 
   attain Me, the highest and most perfect goal.

   I read this scripture with the purport for the 2 young Soldiers, while they
listened and stared very attentively.  After explaining the purport, I went
back to the Introduction and explained the 5 ways a person can be a Devotee,
especially focusing on how anyone can be a passive Devotee.  They smiled in
amazement and I believe that they both gained something out of it.  
   Krishna works in incredible ways.  The first 2 services in Sadr City were
completely spontaneous.  Chapter 7, Text 8, was the best possible scripture I
could have opened the BG to.  I didn’t even think about choosing a different
Text to read.
   After my shift, I went to the chow hall and ran into the Chaplain.  I asked
him if I could use the Chapel for an hour a week for BG classes and Krsna
Concious services.  He agreed happily.
   Sadr City is about to be glowing in Krsna consciousness.
   I hope that all is well with you, brother.  Please, please, please keep
Battlefield Bhajan’s up.  I think that it is a good outreach and outlet.  Thank
you for all that you have done in the service of Srila Prabhupada.
                                                                         YS,
Andrew