Dear Friends,

My greetings to you this year come from Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. In June my family and I moved to Croatia and I am now managing St. David's from this side of the world. Many factors figured in our decision to uproot from America and establish ourselves here. Firstly, much prayer, discernment and advice was offered. In the end, as a family we felt we were to move. Once the decision was made, events confirmed that we were on the right path. I negotiated the sale of my business and one day after we placed our house on the market it sold. Within a week we liquidated most all of our American interest and now are established in Croatia.

For 11 years, management of the Foundation was based in America. Now, first hand, we will be able to witness the fruits of the assistance that you so generously continue to provide. I am blessed and excited to be on this side of St. David's operations.

Already we have strengthened our relationship with the Franciscans and their humanitarian organization, Medjugorje-Mir. Sharing offices, we meet daily to discuss present and future needs that will more efficiently provide programs of assistance to this recovering region.

In light of the September 11 attack on America, St. David's suffered a decline in both material and monetary donations throughout 2002. This reduction was understandable. Out of respect, we elected not to make any monetary appeals to our donors for over a year. America needed time to heal and recover. Nevertheless, we persisted with our mission and were able to deliver over $750,000.00 in aid this year through November.

Our plans for 2003 are to continue providing material aid from America and keep our Baby Feeding Program as top priorities. In June, we will resume the Work Camp Program and invite all to join us in Bosnia-Herzegovina for this memorable and worthy experience. A new program of assistance, Light A Home , has been established to bring electricity to the homes of returning refugees. Our first challenge is 25 homes.

Looking forward, I am energized about 2003. When one witnesses the need of the people it inspires you with ideas, prayers and a stronger will to do all that you can to make a positive difference in the lives of the less fortunate. Being here, I see there is much work ahead for St. David's.

We need your help.

May God bless you and your families,


Jeff Reed
Director