Christmas is not too far away and perhaps you are, or you know someone who is, like the man who hated Christmas. You're tired of the commercialism and would like to give a gift(s) with an eternal impact this year.

That's exactly why we've created this, our first annual Gift Catalog. Below are listed 16 current projects or needs representing a range of locations and types. Certainly there's one to fit the package God has given you to give!

As in the story, why not consider starting your own "Christmas Envelope Tradition" by making a gift on someone's behalf? With each receipt you will receive a card with a description of your chosen project(s) that is suitable for sending as a Christmas card should you wish to honor someone with your contribution..

To give immediately online using your credit/debit card, click the responding "Give Now" button.To make a gift via the mail or telephone, choose from the drop down menu on the "Contribute" link above and use the code after the project name below as your gift identifier.

Russia: Yurt Church Completion (09C02) Goal: $20,000

In 2008, InterAct helped build a yurt church in SookPak, a bedroom community near Kyzyl, Tuva.  While there is progress on the yurt church, we need additional funds to complete it.  The well is dug; the septic system installed; all the utilities are complete, and the boiler has been purchased.  All that is required is the completion of a secondary structure to house the boiler and sleeping quarters for the caretaker.  For $20,000 we can finish this project in Tuva.

Russia: Playground Fence (09C03) Goal: $3,000

In 2008, InterAct collaborated with local Tuvan believers and a network of churches to provide the children of Tuva a playground (the only one in a city of 5,000). A fence for the playground is still needed in order to prevent vandalism. Just $3,000 will provide materials and labor to build a six-foot-high fence around the playground. This important project has received a lot of attention and appreciation by non-Christians, providing a Christian testimony to the community.

Russia: Wind Generators (09C04) Goal: $10,000

Scott serves in Tuva, Russia, in transformational development, enabling the indigenous Tuvan churches to become financially sustainable.  In a land with lots of wind – and very little economy – providing wind generators is a great way to assist in economic growth of local believers and provides a huge testimony to the surrounding community.   Our goal is to partner with InterAct Russia by raising $10,000 for the production of wind generators by the Tuvan Christians, ultimately providing them with a means to support local pastors.

Russia: Tuvan Bibles (09C05) Goal: $170,000

Beginning in the summer of 2010, Tuvan pastors will spend the next three years distributing 10,000 Tuvan Bibles.  The translation is currently being completed by the Institute for Bible Translation in Minsk.  A total of $170,000 is being raised for this major campaign to get the Word of God into the hands of the Tuvan people.   Your gift of $17 will purchase a Tuvan Bible and get this project rolling.

Russia: Ministry Van in Yakutia (09C06) Goal: $20,000

The mini-van has been described as “the Swiss army knife of the Yakutia churches” by Russia Field Director Jim Capaldo.  These vehicles will be invaluable in getting ministry teams to surrounding areas in the Republic of Yakutia.   The use of vans will enable local churches to expand outreach beyond the borders of their towns and provide transportation for the elderly to church services.  Estimated cost for one van is $20,000.  Many gifts will make this a reality.

Russia: Tuvan Pastors' Fund (09C07) Goal: $2,700

Monthly support or a one-time gift will help Tuvan pastors distribute Bibles and minister to their own people.  Just $2,700 per month for the next three years will support four pastors while the local Tuvan churches position themselves to become self sufficient.  See the “Tuva Bible” and “Wind Generator” projects.

Alaska: Wilderness Camp (09C01) Goal: $5,000

Camping ministry is a powerful tool of evangelism.  Each summer Alaska Native youth have the opportunity to be involved in camping.  Travel and equipment expenses accrue annually (approximately $5,000).  An investment in the wilderness camps will keep this outreach going.

Canada: Native Youth Follow-up (09C08) Goal: $8,000

Four teams will be traveling to communities to follow up decisions made at Native Youth Conference this year.  Visiting teens in their communities is a great way to encourage them in their spiritual walk as well as meet family members, make new contacts and demonstrate the love of Christ.  $8,000 will fund this ministry outreach.

Canada: Jesus DVD (09C09) Goal: $3,300

Mailing of the Jesus DVD in the Muslim, Arabic and Urdu languages to 1,300 homes in Calgary, Alberta, is a tremendous way to get the Word of God into the hands of the people!  Three hundred DVDs are ready to go, but we lack funding for the other thousand.  $3,300 will enable the purchase of 1,000 DVDs and allow the mailing to proceed.

Canada: Ministry Training Assistance (09C10) Goal: $7,000

Advanced Ministry Training Assistance in ongoing education is a productive way to help our missionaries evaluate and improve evangelistic efforts cross culturally.  Continuing education sharpens skills, keeping our ministries on the cutting edge of current strategies and trends in meeting the needs of the people groups we target.  A budget of $7,000 will be used to increase effectiveness and plan for future outreach.

Alaska: Adopt a Missionary—Phil & Margie Cobb (09C12)

Phil works in the video department in Alaska.  He distributes weekly DVD messages from Native New Life Fellowship to over 90 individuals in bush Alaska, many who do not have a local church to fellowship in.  Because the DVDs are circulated, this investment keeps on giving.

Canada: Adopt a Missionary—Fayez & Vivian Narooz (09C14)

Fayez & Vivian came to Canada from Egypt and joined InterAct in 2007. They reach out to the Muslim Arabic speakers in their community, discipling Muslim background believers weekly by telephone and e-mail. Coming from an Islamic culture has made support raising, the cultural equivalent to begging, difficult. Prayerfully consider teaming with Fayez and Vivian.

Alaska: Adopt a Missionary—Doug & Marlin Prins (09C15)

Doug and Marlin have served with InterAct Ministries for 27 years.  Doug is active in leadership on the InterAct board of directors and assists the Alaska Field Director.  Doug also wears the Business Manager and the Maintenance Director hat in Alaska.

General: Operational Ministries Fund (09C16)

What army goes to war without the support team for back up, coordinating strategy, funding campaigns, linking to equipment and supplies from headquarters?   Missionaries are soldiers of the cross, and the Operational Ministries fund is their infrastructure that allows them to operate on the battle front.    Please consider a gift or monthly pledge to this pipeline that supports missionaries of the Great Commission.

InterAct Ministries reserves the right to transfer finances to a similar ministry if a particular "gift" does not have enough funds to make the project a reality or if more than the target amount is received.