the proudest moments of his life -- the birth five months ago of his son, Cadre.

Instead, the subject matter has a rather darker hue.

And, perhaps, the 34-year-old's broad smile signals how much he has come to terms with his teenage years.

"I was smoking with some brothers in this small room -- it must have been about two by four feet -- and we were listening to music.

"Suddenly, my heart started beating rapidly and my hands began shaking,'' he recalls.

"And when the music stopped playing my ears kept on ringing. It was unnatural, and a really bad experience.'' It was that experience, however, which heralded a new chapter in Mr. Elliot's life.

He literally had a change of heart, becoming drawn to things decidedly unfashionable for a 17-year-old -- such as the Bible, reading prayers with friends, and going to Church.

"I am not going to say it's been a bed of roses, because life had not always been easy,'' he says, still smiling.

"But I always say this: One bad day with Christ is a lot better than a good day in the world.'' Today Mr. Elliot, of Spring Benny Road, Sandys, is a proud father-of-two -- as well as Cadre, he also has a seven-year-old daughter, Cacia -- and has a job as a joiner with the Bermuda Electric Light Company.

He also helps out with the Christian organisation, Hands of Love.

And on Easter Saturday, Mr. Elliot could be seen with the group in Hamilton's Court Street, serving food to the homeless and hungry, and spreading the word of Christ.

"I am not really totally involved with the group, but I like to preach with them,'' he explains.

It is a moving experience: For he finds himself quickly identifying with the people, particularly the young, walking up to the food stall.

"I can see myself when I look at them in the eyes. It's very touching.'' For himself, it was curiosity which drew him into a world of smoking marijuana and drinking.

And, there seems little doubt, curiosity and peer pressure could explain the glazed and hungry looks which met him as he served some food.

"I hope to be able to show people there is a better way of living -- to follow Christ,'' he says.

Mr. Elliot, who goes to Faith Tabernacle church in Watford Island, likens himself to a farmer sowing seed; In his case, the seed of faith.

Just to have planted one seed on Saturday, he muses, would have made the effort worth while.