
The JAARS Uncharted podcast shares inspiring stories from the last mile of missions and highlights how faith, teamwork and innovation bring God’s love to remote communities around the world. Discover what it means to serve in uncharted territory—where the road ends and the mission begins.
Updated Biweekly

Craig Russell brings a lifetime of adventure and faith to the Uncharted podcast. From his roots on a Pennsylvania farm to his role as Vice President of Air, Land and Sea Operations at JAARS, Craig has dedicated his life to reaching the world's most remote communities. With a passion for aviation and a heart for mission, he shares powerful stories of resilience, calling and connection—wherever the road ends and God's love takes flight.


In this gripping episode of Uncharted, Ray Rising shares his harrowing experience of being held captive for 810 days in Colombia, as detailed in his book "Gorilla Hostage." The conversation begins with a vivid recounting of the moment he was kidnapped, highlighting the tension and fear of that fateful day. He reflects on his decision to wait for divine guidance rather than escape immediately, emphasizing the importance of faith and patience during his ordeal...

In this conversation, Dave Koostra shares his experiences as an aviation mechanic with JAARS, detailing innovative problem-solving techniques in challenging environments. He recounts a real-life incident in the Philippines where he had to recover a downed helicopter, emphasizing the importance of creativity and teamwork in aviation missions. The discussion also highlights the critical role mechanics play in ensuring aircraft safety and functionality, especially in remote locations...

In this special Thanksgiving episode of Uncharted, Craig Russell and Nate Gordon reflect on the importance of gratitude, especially in the context of mission work. Nate shares personal experiences from his time in Indonesia, discussing how different cultures celebrate Thanksgiving and express gratitude. The discussion highlights the impact of the Yajasi organization, the power of community collaboration, and the significance of gratitude in all things...