In the 1970’s our parish took up collections, supposedly to support the Church in Cambodia, which in fact was no more. The ruling Khmer Rouge had exterminated all religious and educational institutions. Little did we or our priest know that our donations, made with good intentions, not only failed to reach its target, but fell into the hands of the perpetrators, facilitating the genocide of millions of people. On my African travels I have found sacks/cans of food labelled ‘donation from USA, Germany, France etc.’, meant for the poor, being sold in expensive shops. Living standards in some countries and communities have sunk dramatically and once functioning political and social systems have collapsed, after living on foreign aid for decades. Special privileges and excessive funding given to certain countries and communities have resulted in social in-equality in favour of the recipients, some of whom have turned arrogant and are ever more demanding. Let’s be vigilant, read the signs of the times, ask questions, and try and verify the answers we receive. Be mindful of the possibility that your donation may have an adverse affect to your intention. Let’s give and help with good intentions, but also consciously and responsibly. Should things still go wrong we may find consolation in the famous lyrics: “I’m just a soul who’s intentions are good, oh Lord, please don’t let me be misunderstood”.