Privacy Policy

01Introduction

The Encounter ("we", "our", "us") is committed to protecting the privacy of everyone who visits our website, subscribes to our newsletter, or contacts the ministry. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our website or interact with the ministry.

We seek to honour God in all things, including the responsible and ethical handling of your personal information, in line with applicable data protection law.

02Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

We may collect the following personal information when you use our website or contact us:

• Contact Information: Full name, email address, and telephone number.
• Ministry / Event Details: Information you provide when submitting an invitation request, including ministry name, location, and details of your event or need.
• Newsletter Subscriptions: The email address you provide when subscribing to our newsletter.
• Correspondence: Any communications you send to us, including emails, WhatsApp messages, and messages sent through our forms.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information, including:

• Log Data: Your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, and pages visited.
• Device Information: Device type, screen resolution, and unique device identifiers.
• Usage Data: How you interact with our website, including the pages you view and the time and date of your visit.
• Cookies: We may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience. See Section 5 below.

03How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To respond to your inquiries, prayer requests, and invitation requests.
• To communicate with you about the ministry, events, and resources.
• To send newsletters and ministry updates where you have subscribed.
• To improve and personalise your experience on our website.
• To detect, prevent, and address technical issues and security threats.
• To comply with our legal and regulatory obligations.

04Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information based on the following grounds:

• Consent: Where you have given us explicit consent to process your data for a specific purpose, such as subscribing to our newsletter.
• Legitimate Interests: Where processing is necessary for our legitimate interests as a ministry, provided your rights and interests do not override those interests.
• Legal Obligation: Where we need to comply with a legal or regulatory obligation.

05Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies. Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. We may use the following types of cookies:

• Essential Cookies: Required for the basic functionality of our website.
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting anonymous information.
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings to enhance your experience.

You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

06How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party providers who assist us in operating our website and sending emails, subject to strict confidentiality agreements.
• Legal Requirements: Where required by law, court order, or governmental regulation.
• With Your Consent: Where you have given us permission to share your information.

07Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including to satisfy any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. We will securely delete or anonymise your personal information when it is no longer needed.

08Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit using SSL/TLS protocols.
• Secure server infrastructure with access controls.
• Regular security assessments and updates.
• Staff training on data protection and confidentiality.

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

09Your Data Protection Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Right of Access: You have the right to request copies of your personal information held by us.
• Right to Rectification: You have the right to request that we correct any inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Right to Erasure: You have the right to request that we delete your personal information, subject to certain exceptions.
• Right to Restrict Processing: You have the right to request that we restrict the processing of your personal information.
• Right to Object: You have the right to object to the processing of your personal information for direct marketing purposes.
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Where processing is based on consent, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time — including unsubscribing from our newsletter.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details in Section 12 below. We will respond to your request within a reasonable time.

10Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including social media platforms and external resources. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

11Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

12Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data protection practices, please contact us:

• Email: info@siaencounter.org
• Phone / WhatsApp: 7742677046

We take your privacy seriously and will respond to any concerns promptly.