Allan Scott to share powerful message at camp meeting concert

In the midst of a downward spiral fueled by drugs, alcohol and crime, musician Allan Scott felt as though he was drowning in a new reality of self-destruction.

One night, while drunk and feeling especially out of control, Scott whispered a simple prayer, asking God for a lifeline.

It came in the form of a jail cell — and a guitar.

“I created a lot of wreckage in my life when I was younger. My family life began to get crazy and I ran from God, filling that void with drugs and alcohol. I sold all of my musical equipment to pay for that lifestyle and wound up homeless, looking through trash cans for drugs,” Scott said. “I continued to throw away everything in my life. I considered myself a drug addict, loser and thief. I got to a point where I knew I was going to be that way for the rest of my life. I began to accept that reality.”

Hitting rock bottom, Scott had no choice but to hit his knees in prayer.

“And things started to change. I wound up being sent to jail. There was an old guitar at the prison, and I started to play,” he said. “I got into rehab and there was a Christian guy there who helped me. That was 14 years ago, and I’ve been free from that lifestyle ever since God put my life back together.”

Check out Scott’s song “God in Me” by clicking below

Addict to advisor

Scott’s transformation goes beyond his personal story — using music to reach others who are experiencing similar dark places in their lives with the hopes of drawing them closer to God.

“I don’t have anything to offer via the world’s standards. God has been good to me not because of my goodness to Him — when He found me, I was a drug addict and a loser,” Scott said. “And yet, He has qualified me to help others. He was for us long before we are ever for Him. I try to weave that message into my music. My history is the backstory, and that plays into the types of songs I write.”

Locally, Scott’s next gig is scheduled 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Central Pennsylvania Wesleyan Campground near New Columbia as a kickoff to the 97th Annual God’s Holiness Camp Meeting. Refreshments will be available during the concert, with proceeds benefitting a local children’s ministry.

“Allan’s story is one of hope from addiction and a jail cell. When he was at his lowest point after a string of poor decisions, Allan called on God, and the healing of his broken life began,” said Pastor Paul Sheets, of Port Ann Wesleyan Church — one of many churches that support the annual camp meeting. “The original music and the personal testimony of faith in Jesus Christ will be an inspiration to anyone who needs the hope that comes from beyond themselves.”

Check out Scott’s song “What You Say” by clicking below.

Message in the music

Scott said his music goes beyond those who are in dire straits and in need of God’s grace and healing.

“For a long time during my Christian life, I was on a treadmill. I got tired and worn out. Eventually, I burned out because I thought it was more about what I did for God than what He did for me,” Scott said. “But God doesn’t pull a bait-and-switch on us. I realized that we’re all a one-trick pony, but God is about something much more. Whether you are at the bottom rung of life’s ladder or someone who is doing all the right things yet feeling like you are just going through the motions, it helps to be reminded of His love, grace and forgiveness.”

Scott plans to release new original music later this year, and has recently started a special ministry for drug addicts called “Found and Favored” which brings together a number of churches that host people from different drug and alcohol rehabs for a night of music and ministry.

Check out Scott’s song “Be My All” by clicking below.

For more about Scott’s upcoming performances, his backstory and his mission, visit allanscottmusic.com

For more on the 97th annual God’s Holiness Grove Camp Meeting, visit centralpawccc.org or check out the WGRC radio ad below: