Embrace your foreignness. Thursday teaching from Curtis Clewett

Disclaimer: The views in this episode reflect personal experiences and spiritual insights from Curtis and the Fishbag community, not the official stance of YWAM. This episode is for encouragement and entertainment, especially if you’ve ever felt like a fish out of water. 🐟🐟

Embracing what it means to be a foreigner in a foreign land, a reality familiar to YWAMers serving globally. From the first greetings, Curtis encourages listeners to find strength and identity in their unique position as outsiders—just as YWAM’s multicultural mission intends.

[03:10] Stories from Asia
Curtis unpacks insights from his recent time in Asia, recalling funny moments, awkward introductions, and the everyday challenges of not quite fitting in. He shows how feeling foreign can be both humbling and formative, opening doors to empathy, new friends, and deeper reliance on God. Listeners get a taste of “foreignness” as an asset and a path to personal growth.

[08:37] Lessons on Belonging and Teamwork
Curtis highlights how YWAM’s values come alive when diverse teams gather. “Valuing the individual” becomes practical in moments of culture shock and adaptation: learning new languages, sharing meals, failing forward. Curtis uplifts “the awkward ones”—reminding listeners that Jesus himself was at home among outsiders and cross-cultural misfits.

[14:04] Faith as Foreigners, Citizens of Heaven
Drawing from scripture and personal story, Curtis weaves together the biblical theme of sojourning—reminding the audience that our ultimate home and citizenship is with God. He reflects on how the experience of being a foreigner mirrors the Christian journey: learning to rely less on comfort zones and more on God’s spirit and the kindness of strangers.

[18:40] Takeaway: Lean Into Your Foreignness
The lesson wraps with a call to action—embrace your “foreignness” as a way to tap into God’s plan. Curtis encourages YWAMers and fish baggers everywhere: don’t shrink back from discomfort. It’s in the flux and uncertainty that faith grows, relationships deepen, and God’s love shines through every cultural difference.

[22:10] Outro: Community Across Cultures
A reminder that everyone—wherever you’re listening from—is part of a bigger family, connected through faith, story, and mission. JP invites you back, promising more “edifying and awkward” insights in the next episode!

Intro Song by Isaac Vasquez, link tree: https://linktr.ee/isaacxvasquez

Outro song by James Tyson. IG: https://www.instagram.com/james.mtyson/

Contact JP at: [e-mail]

YWAM BCN web: https://www.ywambarcelona.org

Join us in Barcelona. 

The following weekly points of connection take place at our hub: the 81 space. (81 Bac de Roda, Barcelona. ring “bajos”)

🔥 REVIVAL MORNING – A time of gathering with the community for teaching, worship, sharing, or prayer
🗓 Thursdays 11:00-12:15

🎨✨ SUELOS DORADOS – Creative night. A night of ‘playground mentality’ creating (playful, free, and open to anyone)
🗓 Fridays 18:00-20:00
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These take place around the city. Message for location.

🛹🙏 MACBA MORNINGS – Skaters gather to pray at MACBA every Monday!
🗓 Mondays 10:00-11:30 (DM @panama_dave for info)

📖🛹 SKATER BIBLE STUDY – Skaters gather in the city to read the Bible and connect
🗓 Wednesdays 18:30-21:00 (DM @fabiskt for info)