Aaron & Emily Starr

Founders

When Aaron and Emily Starr moved to Milo-Grogan with a vision to disciple people in hard places, Reaching the Nations International (RTNI) was born. The Starrs made their personal home on 2nd Avenue a base of ministry in February 2007, and since that time, more than 800 youth have spent time in their home or participated in RTNI activities. They connect through board games and meals, and talk about how God impacts their every-day lives. Over 500 volunteers have been a part of the RTNI family, and each have been changed by the bright, tenacious youth they serve. RTNI recognizes urban youth as uniquely equipped to be leaders and influencers for the Kingdom of God because of their connection to both the suffering and compassion of Jesus.

Board Members

Devin K. Schaffer
JD, MBA

Board Chair

Devin earned a BA in History / African-American Studies from Indiana University where he was a 4-year letter winner (football). He returned to Indiana University Bloomington in 2005 to attend Mauer School of Law and Kelly Business School (J.D. / MBA – 2008). Devin began his legal practice in Indianapolis in 2008 at Ice Miller LLP and moved to Chicago in 2012 where he joined the Private Equity group and Jones Day. In 2015, Devin joined a former Jones Day partner at Cardinal Health where he is currently Senior Counsel in Cardinal Health’s merger and acquisition group. Devin has chaired and served on several non-profits including King Park Development Corporation, Cathedral High School, Local Initiative Support Corp and Boys Hope Girls Hope (Chicago).

Devin currently resides in Dublin, Ohio with his wife, son and daughter. Devin and his family are members at Sanctuary Church Columbus.

"I believe in RTNI because I am aligned with the organization's intention to shine the light of the gospel in hard places. I am excited about the organization's vision and I love interacting with the children. I serve on the board because it allows me to provide insight to our great team while also learning and being on mission. I look forward to the continued growth and impact of RTNI."

Renea Dowdy-Williams

Secretary

Renea Williams is the director of donor relations and stewardship for the Mount Carmel Foundation. Renea is dedicated to creating and maintaining a positive relationship between Mount Carmel Health System; assisting in transforming the philanthropic culture within the MCHS environment. She is also responsible to lead colleagues to develop and implement effective fundraising events, stewardship, and communicate program impact. Renea is a graduate of the esteemed African American Leadership Academy and the Trinity Health System Culture Change and Engagement leadership cohort.

Renea Williams is a graduate of The Ohio State University, with a degree in Criminology. She is a development professional and has been working in the non-profit industry for over twenty-five years. Renea’s experience is diverse and has held positions in Sales, Social Work to Project Management. Renea has a sincere passion for people and their well-being. Strategies for success are her mantra and living a life of learning is her goal. Renea resides in Pickerington, Ohio with her husband Mark and two sons, Mark and Johnathan.

“I believe we are called to be ambassadors in the earth. To give of our gifts and talents in a way that helps make the world and those we touch better. That is why I believe in the mission of RTNI and serve on the board. Reaching, teaching, ministering, and serving those in need is a blessing and a call we should all answer as we can.”

Bobby Davern

Treasurer

Hello My Name Is Bobby Davern. I’m blessed to be married to my wife Wittney. We have 5 children: Caleb 19, Jordan 16, Meg 11, Spencer 8, and Tae 6. Wittney and I have chosen to take the journey and responsibility to home school our children. God put it in our hearts to protect the integrity of our children’s hearts while we build them up in God’s word and cultivate the gifts that God placed in them. Our family’s mission is to serve God using our entrepreneurial spirit and giftings to advance God’s Kingdom through the local church and ministries (Blessed to Be a Blessing). We love being outdoors, traveling, sports and fellowship. Our family attends Rock City Church in Hilliard Ohio.

I'm blessed to be a part of RTNI's board. I have been a part of the Milo-Grogan community for the last 16 years as a business owner and just recently got connected with RTNI. I deeply believe in the vision that God has placed on the hearts of Aaron and Emily. RTNI’s approach of life-on-life discipleship reveals the true heart of God being consistently displayed through all those who serve and support the ministry. RTNI has worked diligently to create strategic programs to help develop the youth of our community in Christ and are empowering them with skills that will transform the rest of their lives. I look forward to serving alongside the RTNI family to change lives for Christ in our community.

Lydia Prenger

Vice Chair

When I moved to Columbus in 2017, I reached out to Emily and Aaron to see how I could serve with RTNI and have been involved ever since. I currently work at a non-profit in affordable housing. I have a BA in Urban Ministry from Moody Bible Institute and MA in Biblical and Theological Studies from Moody Theological Seminary. Love gardening with Emily, being on worship team at Sanctuary Columbus, hanging out with friends, and rock climbing at the Audubon.

“I serve with RTNI because it's all about discipleship relationships. Nothing matters more than building strong relationships for the kingdom of Christ.”

"The three key components of RTNI"

We teach what the Scriptures say about Jesus Christ. We are in the community – close enough to touch the lives of those we serve – adding value through holistic ministry as we share our lives together. We strive for Christ-centered community transformation at every level, beginning at the individual. And... we welcome you to enter into this process with us!

Aaron Starr

President