At the church I attend whilst here in the US, we buy clothes from Costco. This is a store, that I believe is all over the US? You can buy things, in bulk from them, very cheaply. Church members, they make the journey every fortnight to pick up supplies from Costco (as there is not one close to the city centre). You can get these packets of brand-new clothes, that are one size fits all. Shirts, socks, trousers, ect, ect. You can also buy bags from there, very cheaply. Or sometimes we get bags that are 50 cents, from IKEA, to put them in. Those bags, they also can be used, for protection from the elements, as they are water resistant. I share these ideas, maybe they will be helpful to you. In Sweden, we mainly supply coats in the winter. People donate coats, new or in good condition, and we have them cleaned, then set up an area and distribute them. We do have many more clothes, for work interviews, at the church, that people can come and take, as needed.
Here, in the US, we talk more about the Gospel, with people, yes. I go to a Baptist church, whilst here. We do not force anyone, to make promises, to read what we give them, no. We did have a supply of Bibles, to give out, but we ran out! We have pamphlets, with scriptures, and how to become a Christian. There is also a map, on the back of the card, to the church. In Sweden, too, we have cards, and a map. At the church, everybody, is always welcome. There are meals, Bibles, available for free. We even have some, in other languages.
I don't feel, like you have belittled our efforts, no. I think, there's a very important cultural difference, between Sweden, and the US & Canada. We must, be quite mindful, of that culture we're in, to be effective, not counterproductive, with our efforts. Have you been to Sweden, or elsewhere in Scandinavia? There is something, that is known, as "lagom". There is not a direct translation for it, into English. It is a societal code of conduct, of sorts; politeness. Behaviour norms & etiquette, that are expected. You must start, by gaining familiarity, with people, and building respect, that is mutual, before, you talk to them, about intimate matters such as religion. It is just, how it is done. Treating homeless, the same way, it is treating them, with the same courtesy, dignity, as for everyone. They will think, you are rude, or crazy, and not listen, to what you say, even if you tell them, with benevolence, about Christ's sacrifice, if they do not know you yet. I have seen this, with my own eyes, as we had a girl, from Georgia, on a study programme in Stockholm make this error. She was too boisterous, and too familiar. It was not her fault, no. She had, good intentions. It will repel, instead of bringing people towards Him, in most areas of Sweden, certainly, in Stockholm. I assure you, we do make a difference, not just, in kindness, but, with bringing people, to know Christ. It takes some time, but it is worth that time. The methodology, that you have, it is not the same, as ours, but, the goals, they are unified. This, I promise.
As long, as you bring people, to Christ, the way you bring them there, is not of much importance, I do not think.
