Privacy Policy

2. Information We Collect

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We may collect information about you in a variety of ways. The information we collect on our website may include:

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2.1 Information You Provide Directly

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When you interact with our website or services, you may provide us with personal information such as your name, email address, mailing address, phone number, and other contact details. This information is collected when you:

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• Sign up for our mailing list or email newsletter

• Opt in to receive SMS text messages from our ministry

• Complete prayer request forms or contact forms

• Register for events, classes, or online services

• Make donations or purchases

• Participate in surveys or feedback forms

• Contact us with questions or inquiries

• Create an account on our website(s)

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2.2 Information Collected Automatically

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When you visit our website, certain information is collected automatically through tracking technologies, including:

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• Your IP address and device information

• Browser type and version

• Operating system

• Pages visited and time spent on each page

• Referring website addresses

• Links clicked

• General location information based on IP address (city or region level)

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This information helps us understand how our website is being used so we can improve your experience and optimize our services.

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2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

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Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us remember your preferences and understand how you use our website. We use cookies for:

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• Remembering your login information

• Understanding your browsing patterns

• Delivering personalized content

• Analyzing website performance

• Security and fraud prevention

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You can control cookie settings through your web browser. If you disable cookies, some features of our website may not function properly.

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3. How We Use Your Information

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Bible Teachers International uses the information we collect for various purposes:

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3.1 Primary Uses

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We use your information to:

• Provide you with the services and content you request

• Send you requested newsletters, emails, or SMS messages

• Respond to your inquiries and customer service requests

• Process donations and charitable contributions

• Administer events, classes, and other programs you register for

• Send important notices about changes to our services or policies

• Improve our website, services, and user experience

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3.2 Communication and Marketing

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With your consent, we may use your contact information to send you:

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• Regular newsletters and ministry updates

• Information about upcoming events and programs

• Spiritual encouragement and teachings

• Prayer updates and requests

• Information about donations and giving opportunities

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If you no longer wish to receive promotional communications from us, you can unsubscribe at any time by following the instructions in our emails, or by contacting us directly.

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3.3 Legal and Safety Purposes

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We may disclose your information when required by law, court order, subpoena, or other legal process. We may also disclose information when we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to:

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• Comply with applicable laws and regulations

• Protect the rights, privacy, safety, or property of Bible Teachers International and our users

• Prevent fraud or abuse

• Enforce our Terms of Service and other agreements

• Respond to claims of illegal activity

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3.4 Aggregated and De-Identified Data

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We may use aggregated or de-identified information (information that cannot identify you personally) for statistical analysis, research, and marketing purposes. This aggregated data may be shared with third parties without restriction.

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4. SMS Messaging Service

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4.1 Opt-In Process

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If you choose to opt in to receive SMS (text message) communications from Bible Teachers International, you are explicitly consenting to receive text messages to your mobile phone number. We maintain records of your consent, which may include signup forms, website registrations, or other documentation.

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4.2 Message Content and Frequency

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By opting in to our SMS service, you consent to receive text messages regarding:

• Church announcements and events

• Service reminders and updates

• Prayer requests and spiritual encouragement

• Emergency notifications

• Donation and giving information

• Ministry updates and news

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The frequency of messages may vary. We ask that you provide accurate information about your preferences to help us communicate effectively.

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4.3 Third-Party Service Provider

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Our SMS messaging service is provided through Twilio, a third-party communications platform. Twilio processes your phone number and message content on our behalf to deliver text messages to you. While Bible Teachers International is responsible for the use of this information, Twilio also has security measures and a privacy policy in place. Your messages pass through Twilio’s systems and may also travel through telecommunications carriers and networks.

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4.4 Opt-Out Rights

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You have the right to opt out of receiving text messages from us at any time. To stop receiving text messages, you can:

• Reply “STOP” to any text message you receive from us

• Contact Bible Teachers International directly at info@marybanks.net

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Your opt-out request will typically be processed within one business day. You may continue to receive messages for a short period while we process your request.

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4.5 Data Retention and SMS Records

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We retain SMS message records and your phone number for operational and legal compliance purposes. If you request deletion of your information, we will remove your phone number from our active contact lists, though some archived records may be retained as required by law.

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5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

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5.1 Trusted Service Providers

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We may share your information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, including:

• Email marketing and communication platforms

• Website hosting providers

• SMS messaging services (Twilio)

• Payment processors for donations

• Cloud storage providers

• Analytics services

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These service providers are contractually obligated to use your information only as necessary to provide services to us and must maintain appropriate security measures. We require all service providers to protect the privacy and security of your personal information.

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5.2 What We Do NOT Share

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Bible Teachers International does not:

• Sell your personal information to third parties

• Rent your email address or phone number to other organizations

• Share your information with unrelated third parties for their marketing purposes

• Disclose your giving history or donation amounts to unaffiliated parties

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5.3 Business Transfers

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In the event that Bible Teachers International is involved in a merger, acquisition, bankruptcy, or other business transaction, your information may be part of the assets transferred. We will provide notice of any such change and any choices you may have regarding your information.

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5.4 Legal Requirements

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We may disclose your information when required by law, including in response to valid legal processes such as subpoenas, court orders, or government requests. When permitted by law, we will attempt to notify you of such disclosure.

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6. Data Security

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6.1 Security Measures

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Bible Teachers International takes the security of your personal information seriously. We implement reasonable and appropriate security measures designed to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, and destruction. These measures include:

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• Secure website encryption (SSL/TLS protocols)

• Limited access to personal information

• Regular security assessments

• Staff training on data protection

• Secure password practices

• Protection of sensitive data

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6.2 Limitations on Security

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While we strive to use reasonable security measures, no system is completely secure. Information transmitted over the internet or stored electronically can be intercepted or accessed by unauthorized parties. We cannot guarantee absolute security, particularly for information that travels through third-party networks and systems (such as telecommunications carriers, email providers, or SMS delivery platforms).

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You acknowledge that you provide information to us at your own risk and are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any passwords or login credentials you create.

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7. Your Rights and Choices

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Depending on your location and applicable laws, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

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7.1 Access and Correction

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You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you and to request that we correct any inaccurate information.

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7.2 Deletion

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You have the right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions (such as when we are required to retain information by law or for legitimate business purposes).

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7.3 Opt-Out of Communications

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You may opt out of receiving promotional emails, newsletters, or SMS messages at any time by following the unsubscribe instructions in our communications or by contacting us directly.

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7.4 Marketing Preferences

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You can manage your communication preferences by updating your account settings or by contacting us with your preferences.

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7.5 California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Rights

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If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act, including the right to know what personal information is collected, the right to delete personal information, and the right to opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information. To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 10 below.

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7.6 European Data Protection Rights

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If you are located in the European Union or other jurisdictions with similar data protection laws, you may have additional rights including the right to data portability, the right to object to processing, and the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

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To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 10 below. We will respond to your request within the timeframe required by applicable law.

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8. Children’s Privacy

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Bible Teachers International does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 years of age. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will promptly delete such information from our records.

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For SMS messaging services, we do not knowingly allow children under 13 to opt in without parental permission. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided information to us, please contact us immediately.

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9. Third-Party Links and Services

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Our website may contain links to third-party websites and services that are not operated by Bible Teachers International. This Privacy Policy does not apply to third-party websites or services, and we are not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites before providing your personal information.

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10. Contact Us

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

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Bible Teachers International
Division of Mary Banks Ministries Incorporated

Email:info@marybanks.net
Mailing Address: 7135 Louetta Road, Spring, Texas

We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days.

 

11. Updates to This Privacy Policy

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We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make material changes, we will post the updated Privacy Policy on our website with a new “Last Updated” date at the top.

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Your continued use of our website and services following the posting of changes constitutes your acceptance of those changes. We recommend reviewing this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

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12. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Texas, without regard to its conflicts of law provisions. Any disputes arising out of or related to this Privacy Policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Texas.

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13. Severability

If any provision of this Privacy Policy is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

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