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EZEKIEL

  MEANING OF NAME: God is strong or The Man God strengthens STORY IN BRIEF: Ezekiel, son of Buzzi, like Jeremiah, started first as a priest, but later had the calling of a Prophet at age thirty. He served in the Temple of Jerusalem that was later destroyed by the Babylonians. In the midst of events, God warned that the desire of his eye would die. And after his wife died, he was disallowed from publicly wailing - a sign of how Israel would suffer in the hands of their captivators without lamenting.  While in exile ( in Babylon by the River Chebar), the Prophet, also an artist, made a model of Jerusalem city, laid prostate and always prophesied over it. He either used symbols or demonstrations to deliver his messages. Ezekiel acted strangely because of the strange nature of his visions; he would either cut his hair and burn it, or he totally went dumb for a period of time. He had two major metaphorical visions where God - Israel's husband, was betayed by his wife after He had g...

THE SHUNAMITE WOMAN

  She lived in Jezreel, specifically along a road that links Jerusalem to Bethlehem. Being a generous woman, she agreed with her husband and made a resting place on the top of their building for Elisha who mostly plied that road. One day, when the shunamite saw Elisha travelling the road again with his servant she invited them over into her house and showed her kindness so much to the Prophet's satisfaction. Thus, Elisha sought through his servant, Geharzi, to reward her gesture but the woman sharply objected to it. The Prophet then asked his servant if there was any favour he could use his influence with the King of Israel to offer her but the woman would still reject that offer. So he asked Geharzi to suggest a reward for the woman. When the servant mentioned that the woman had no child, Elisha declared that they would have one a year's time from then, which the Lord also fulfilled. When this child died some years later, the woman went laid him in Elisha's room. But God r...

RIZPAR

Rizpar was one of Saul's concubines. She stood and witnessed the gruesome murder of her two sons -  Armoni and Mephibosheth.  More disdainful to her is the fact that the two were not burried; they were left to rot contrary to the prevalent tradition of burrying the dead within the next 24hours.  With sorrow, Rizpar spent days and nights with the corpses ensuring that they were neither swamped nor dragged away by any animals. Soon enough, King David noticed her discomfort, and was moved by her attitude; David ordered for the burrying of Rizpar's sons, the remains of their father, Saul and that of Jonathan. BACKGROUND:  Joshua promised that Israel would be at peace with the Gibeonites. But Saul broke that oath, killing as many Gibeonites as he could in his time. In retallating, the Gibeonites asked David for seven of Saul's son whom they murdered in the presence of Rizpar. LESSONS:   1. Customes can be broken; protocols are skipable. If only we consistently...

THE GRACE OF GIVING

  “…see that you also excel in this   GRACE OF GIVING .” 2 Corinthians 8:7. It’s an indisputable fact that our walk with God is strictly a walk of sacrifice or giving. We are either giving of our strength, possessions or money. But the seeds we sow, in the form of tithes, firstfruits, or thanksgiving often yield below the peak for some christians. Such are they that are advised by Apostle Paul to excel in The Grace of Giving. One may ask, “what extra Grace do we need for giving?” ; “aren’t we supposed to simply give and wait for results?” Emphatically, NO ! Giving is disciplined by principles. There’s the need for spiritual privilege – a reconditioning of The human Spirit so one can passionately, continuously and comprehensively offer of his or her own unto The Lord. And it’s only the Grace of Giving that positions us in this state. By this Grace, we first submit ourselves (our hearts ) to God; because our hearts are now governed by God, He alone – by His Spirit, determines ho...

THE LAW OF ATTRACTION

  "...that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we have gazed upon, and our hands have handled,..." John 1:1 If you consider your circle now, you will conclude that friends with whom you have similar personality outnumber those with deferring personality. You should also notice that, often times, you suddenly meet with or receive calls from, those you strongly  think of and long to see. These are manifestations of the Law of Attraction ! " The heart is DEEP beyond all things... " Jeremiah 17:9 Brenton Septuagint Translation. And Psalm 42:7 says DEEP calleth unto DEEP. Equating the two scriptures will help us deduce that, HEART calls unto HEART.  SOUL calls unto SOUL. That is the Spirit of the law - Like attracts LIKE ! Our opening verse starts with HEARING or SEEING and ends with HANDLING. Until a man hears or sees, he cannot handle. Yet, what we finally touch is always LIKE what we already hear and see according to the Law of Attra...

PRIVACY POLICY

 

THY WORD !

DATA PROTECTION POLICY  POLICY STATEMENT:
THY WORD is committed to protecting personal data and respecting the rights of our data subjects (people whose personal data we collect and use). THY WORD values the personal information entrusted to us and we respect that trust, by complying with all relevant laws, and adopting good practice.
We process personal data to help us:
1. Maintain a list of our followers
2. Provide pastoral support for members and others connected to our blog.
3. Provide services to the social community including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
4. Recruit, support and manage staff and volunteers.
5. Maintain our church accounts and records.
7. Promote our services.
8. Respond effectively to enquirers and handle any complaints.
10. And for any fundraising events that might require this information.

This policy has been approved by the THY WORD Trustees who are responsible for ensuring that we comply with all our legal obligations. It sets out the legal rules that apply whenever we obtain, store or use personal data.

Why this policy is important:
1. We’re committed to protecting personal data from being misused, getting into the wrong hands as a result of poor security or being shared carelessly, or being inaccurate, as we’re aware that people can be upset or harmed if any of these things was to happen.
2. This policy sets out the measures we’re committed to taking as an organization and, what each of us will do to ensure we comply with the relevant legislation.
3. For instance, we’ll make sure that all personal data is:
a. Processed lawfully, fairly and done transparently.
b. Processed for specific, explicit and legitimate purposes and not in a manner that’s incompatible with those purposes
c. Adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary for the purposes for which it’s being processed
d. Accurate and, where necessary, up-to-date
e. Not kept longer than necessary for the purposes for which it’s being processed
f. Processed in a secure manner, by using appropriate technical and organizational means
g. Processed in keeping with the rights of data subjects regarding their personal data.

How this policy applies to you and what you need to know:
1. As an employee, volunteer or trustee processing personal information on behalf of this blog, you’re require to comply with this policy. If you think that you’ve accidentally breached the policy it’s important that you contact our Data Protection nelsonanyadi@gmail.com immediately so that we can take swift action to try and limit the impact of the breach.
Anyone who breaches the Data Protection Policy may be subject to disciplinary action, and where that individual has breached the policy intentionally, recklessly or for personal benefit they may also be liable to prosecution or to regulatory action.
2. As a leader and/or manager you’re required to make sure that any procedures that involve personal data, that you’re responsible for in your area, follow the rules set out in this Data Protection Policy.
3. As a data subject of THY WORD We will handle your personal information in line with this policy.
4. As an appointed data processor/contractor: Companies who are appointed by us as a data processor are required to comply with this policy under the contract with us. Any breach of this policy will be taken seriously and could lead to us taking contract enforcement action against the company, or terminating the contract. Data processors have direct obligations under the GDPR, primarily to only process data on instructions from the controller (us) and to implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure a level of security appropriate to the risk involved.
5. Our Data Protection officer ( nelsonanyadi@gmail.com ) is responsible for advising THY WORD and its staff and members about their legal obligations under data protection law, monitoring compliance with data protection law, dealing with data security breaches and with the development of this policy. Any questions about this policy or any concerns that the policy has not been followed should be referred to them at nelsonanyadi@gmail.com.
6. Before you collect or handle any personal data as part of your work (paid or otherwise) for THY WORD, it’s important that you take the time to read this policy carefully and understand exactly what is required of you, as well as the organization’s responsibilities when we process data.
7. Our procedures will be in line with the requirements of this policy, but if you’re unsure about whether anything you plan to do, or are currently doing, might breach this policy you must first speak to the Data Protection officer by nelsonanyadi@gmail.com.

Training and Guidance:
1. We will provide general training at least annually for all staff to raise awareness of their obligations and our responsibilities, as well as to outline the law.
2. We may also issue procedures, guidance or instructions from time to time. [Managers/leaders must set aside time for their team to look together at the implications for their work.] 

OUR DATA PROTECTION RESPONSIBILITIES  What personal information do we process?
1. In the course of our work, we may collect and process information (personal data) about many different people (data subjects). This includes data we receive straight from the person it’s about, for example, where they complete forms or contact us. We may also receive information about data subjects from other sources including, for example, previous employers.
2. We process personal data in both electronic and paper form and all this data is protected under data protection law. The personal data we process can include information such as names and contact details, education or employment details, and visual images of people.
3. In some cases, we hold types of information that are called “special categories” of data in the GDPR. This personal data can only be processed under strict conditions.
‘Special categories’ of data (as referred to in the GDPR) includes information about a person’s racial or ethnic origin; political opinions; religious or similar beliefs, trade union membership;
health (including physical and mental health, and the provision of health care services);
genetic data; biometric data; sexual life and sexual orientation.
4. We will hold information relating to criminal proceedings or offenses or allegations of offenses unless there is a clear lawful basis to process this data such as where it fulfils one of the substantial public interest conditions in relation to the safeguarding of children and individuals at risk or one of the additional conditions relating to criminal convictions set out in either Part 2 or Part 3 of Schedule 1 of the Data Protection Act 2018. This processing will only ever be carried out on the advice of the Organization's Team of the THY WORD contact person.
5. Other data may also be considered ‘sensitive’ such as bank details, but will not be subject to the same legal protection as the types of data listed above.
Making sure processing is fair and lawful:
1. Processing of personal data will only be fair and lawful when the purpose of the processing meets a legal basis, as listed below, and when the processing is transparent. This means we will provide people with an explanation of how and why we process their personal data at the point we collect data from them, as well as when we collect data about them from other sources.
How can we legally use personal data?
1. Processing of personal data is only lawful if at least one of these legal conditions, as listed in Article 6 of the GDPR, is met:
a. The processing is necessary for a contract with the data subject b. The processing is necessary for us to comply with a legal obligation c. The processing is necessary to protect someone’s life (this is called “vital interests”) d. The processing is necessary for us to preform a task in the public interest, and the task has a clear basis in law e. The processing is necessary for legitimate interests pursued by THY WORD or another organization, unless these are overridden by the interests, rights and freedoms of the data subject.
f. If none of the other legal conditions apply, the processing will only be lawful if the data subject has given their clear consent.
How can we legally use ‘special categories’ of data?
1. Processing of ‘special categories’ of personal data is only lawful when, in addition to the conditions above, one of the extra conditions, as listed in Article 9 of the GDPR, is met. These conditions include where:
a. The processing is necessary for carrying out our obligations under employment and social security and social protection law b. The processing is necessary for safeguarding the vital interests (in emergency, life or death situations) of an individual and the data subject is incapable of giving consent c. The processing is carried out in the course of our legitimate activities and only relates to our members or persons we are in regular contact with in connection with our purposes d. The processing is necessary for pursuing legal claims e. If none of the other legal conditions apply, the processing will only be lawful if the data subject has given their explicit consent 2. Before deciding which condition should be relied upon, we may refer to the original text of the GDPR as well as any relevant guidance, and seek legal advice as required.
What must we tell individuals before we use their data?
1. If personal data is collected directly from the individual, we will inform them [in writing] about; our identity/contact details [and those of the Data Protection [Officer/Trustee], the reasons for processing, and the legal bases, [including explaining any automated decision making or profiling], explaining out legitimate interests, and explaining where relevant, who we will share the data with. This information is commonly referred to as a ‘Privacy Notice’. This information will be given at the time when the personal data is collected.
2. If data is collected from another source, rather than directly from the data subject, we will provide the data subject with the information described in the section above as well as the categories of the data concerned; and the source of the data.

This information will be provided to the individual in writing and no later than within one month after we receive the data, unless a legal exemption under the GDPR applies. If we use the data to communicate with the data subject, we will at the latest give them this information at the time of the first communication.
If we plan to pass the data onto someone else outside of THY WORD, we will give the data subject this information before we pass on the data.
When we need consent to process data:
1. Where none of the other legal conditions apply to the processing, and we’re required to get consent from the data subject, we will clearly set out what we’re asking consent for, including whey we’re collecting the data and how we plan to use it. Consent will be specific to each process we’re requesting consent for and we will only ask for consent when the data subject has a real choice whether or not to provide us with their data.
2. Consent can however be withdrawn at any time and if withdrawn, the processing will stop. Data subjects will be informed of their right to withdraw consent and it will be as easy to withdraw consent as it is to give consent.
Processing for specified purposes:
1. We’ll only process personal data for the specific purposes explained in our privacy notices or for other purposes specifically permitted by law. We’ll explain those other purposes to data subjects unless there are lawful reasons for not doing so.
Data will be adequate, relevant and not excessive:
1. We’ll only collect and use personal data that’s needed for specific purposes which will normally be explained to the data subjects in the privacy notices. We’ll not collect more than is needed to achieve those purposes.  Accurate data:
1. We’ll make sure that personal data held is accurate and, where appropriate, kept up-to-date.
The accuracy of data will be checked at the point of collection.
Keeping data and destroying it:
1. We’ll not keep personal data longer than is necessary for the purposes that it was collected for.
We’ll comply with the THY WORD, Data Retention policies about retention periods for specific records.
Security of personal data:
1. We’ll use appropriate measures to keep personal data secure at all points of the processing.
Keeping data secure includes protecting it from unauthorized or unlawful processing or from accidental loss, destruction or damage.
2. Security measures will include technical and organizational security measures. In assessing what measures are the most appropriate we will take into account the following, and anything else that is relevant:
a. The quality of the security measure b. The costs of implementation c. The nature, scope, context and purpose of processing d. The risk to the rights and freedoms of data subjects e. The risk which could result from a data breach.
3. Measure may include:
a. Technical systems security b. Measures to restrict or minimize access to data c. Measures to ensure our systems and data remain available, or can be easily restored in the case of an incident d. Physical security of information and of our premises e. Organizational measures such as policies, procedures, training and audits f. Regular testing and evaluating of the effectiveness of security measures.
Keeping records of our data processing:
1. To show we comply with the law we’ll keep clear records of our processing activities and of the decisions we make concerning personal data

WORKING WITH PEOPLE WE PROCESS DATA ABOUT (DATA SUBJECTS)  Data subjects’ rights:
1. We’ll process personal data in line with data subjects’ rights, including their right to:
a. Request access to any of their personal data held by us (known as a Subject Access Request) b. Ask to have inaccurate personal data changed c. Restrict processing, in certain circumstances d. Object to processing, in certain circumstances, including preventing the use of their data for direct marketing e. Data portability, which means to receive their data, or some of their data, in a format that can be easily used by another person (including the data subject themselves) or organization f. Not be subject to automated decisions, in certain circumstances, and g. Withdraw consent when we are relying on consent to process their data 2. If a colleague receives any request from a data subject that relates or could relate to their data protection rights, this will be forwarded to our Data Protection officer, nelsonanyadi@gmail.com immediately.
3. We’ll act on all valid requests as soon as possible, and at the latest within one calendar month, unless we have reason to, and can lawfully extend the timescale. This can be extended by up to two months in some circumstances.
4. All data subjects’ rights are provided free to charge.
5. Any information provided to data subjects will be concise and transparent, using clear and plain language.
Direct Marketing:
1. We’ll comply with the rules set out in the GDPR, the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and any laws which may amend or replace the regulations around direct marketing. This includes, but is not limited to, when we make contact with data subjects by post, email, text message, social media messaging, telephone (both live and recorded calls) and fax.

Direct marketing means the communication (by any means) of any advertising or marketing material which is directed, or addressed, to individuals. “Marketing” does not need to be selling anything, or be advertising a commercial product. It includes contact made by organizations to individuals for the purposes of promoting the organization’s aims.
2. Any direct marketing material that we send will identify THY WORD as the sender and will describe how people can object to receiving similar communications in the future. If a data subject exercises their right to object to direct marketing we will stop the direct marketing as soon as possible.
WORKING WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS AND TRANSFERRING DATA  Sharing information with other organizations:
1. We will only share personal data with other organizations or people when we have a legal basis to do so and if we have informed the data subject about the possibility of the data being shared (in a privacy notice), unless legal exemptions apply to informing data subjects about the sharing.
Only authorized and properly instructed staff/Trustees are allowed to share personal data.
2. We will keep records of information shared with a third party, which will include recording any exemptions which have been applied, and why they have been applied. We will follow the ICO’s statutory Data Sharing Code of Practice (or any replacement code of practice) when sharing personal data with other data controllers. Legal advice will be sought as required.
Data processors:
1. Before appointing a contractor who will process personal data on our behalf (a data processor) we will carry out due diligence checks. The checks are to make sure the processor will use appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure the processing will comply with data protection law, including keeping the data secure, and upholding the rights of data subjects.
We will only appoint data processors who can provide us with sufficient guarantees that they will do this.

2. We’ll only appoint data processors on the basis if a written contract that will require the processor to comply with all relevant legal requirements. We will continue to monitor the data processing, and compliance with the contract, throughout the duration of the contract.
Transferring personal data outside the European Union (EU):
1. Personal data cannot be transferred or stored outside of the EU unless this is permitted by the GDPR. This includes storage on a “cloud” based service where the servers are located outside the EU.
2. We’ll only transfer data outside the EU where it’s permitted by one of the conditions for non-EU transfers in the GDPR.
MANAGING CHANGE AND RISKS  Data protection impact assessments:
1. When we’re planning to carry out any data processing which is likely to result in a high risk we’ll carry out a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA). These include situations when we process data relating to vulnerable people, trawling of data from public profiles, using new technology, and transferring data outside the EU. Any decision not to conduct a DPIA will be recorded.
2. We may also conduct a DPIA in other cases when we consider it appropriate to do so. If we are unable to mitigate the identified risks such that a high risk remains we will consult with the ICO.
3. DPIAs will be conducted in accordance with the ICO’s Code of Practice ‘Conducing privacy impact assessments’.
Dealing with data protection breaches:
1. Where staff or volunteers, [or contractors working for us], thing that this policy has not been followed, or data might have been breached or lost, this will be reported immediately to the Data Protection officer, nelsonanyadi@gmail.com.
2. We will keep records of personal data breaches, even if we do not report them to the ICO
3. We will report all data breaches which are likely to result in a risk to any person, to the ICO.
Reports will be made to the ICO within 72 hours from when someone in the church becomes aware of the breach.
4. In situations where a personal data breach causes a high risk to any person, we will (as well as reporting the breach to the ICO), inform data subjects whose information is affected, without undue delay.
This can include situations where, for example, bank account details are lost or an email containing sensitive information is sent to the wrong recipient. Informing data subjects can enable them to take steps to protect themselves and/or to exercise their rights.
DEFINITIONS AND USEFUL TERMS  The following terms are used throughout this policy and have their legal meaning as set out within the GDPR. The GDPR definitions are further explained below:
Data controller means any person, company, authority or other body who (or which) determines the means for processing personal data and the purposes for which it’s processed. It doesn’t matter if the decisions are made alone or jointly with others.
The data controller is responsible for the personal data which is processed and the way in which it’s processed. We are the data controller of data which we process.
Data processors include any individuals or organizations, which process personal data on our behalf and on our instructions e.g. an external organization which provides secure waste disposal for us. This definition will include the data processors’ own staff (note that staff or data processors may also be data subjects).
Data subjects include all living individuals who we hold or otherwise process personal data about. A data subject does not need to be a UK national or resident. All data subjects have legal rights in relation to their personal information. Data subjects that we are likely to hold personal data about include:
1. The people we care for and support 2. Our employees (and former employees) 3. Consultants/Individuals who are contractors or employees working for them 4. Volunteers 5. Tenants 6. Trustees 7. Complainants 8. Supporters 9. Enquirers 10. Friends and family 11. Advisers and representatives of other organizations.
ICO means the Information Commissioners Office which is the UK’s regulatory body responsible for ensuring that we comply with our legal data protection duties. The ICO produces guidance on how to implement data protection law and can take regulatory action where a breach occurs.
Personal data means any information relating to a natural person (living person) who is either identified or is identifiable. A natural person must be an individual and cannot be a company or a public body.
Representatives of companies or public bodies would, however, be natural persons.
Personal data is limited to information about living individuals and does not cover deceased people.
Personal data can be factual (for example, a name, address or date of birth) or it can be an opinion about that person, their actions and behavior.
Privacy notice means the information given to data subjects which explains who we process their data and for what purposes.
Processing is a very widely defined and includes any activity that involves the data. It includes obtaining, recording or holding the data, or carrying out any operation or set of operations on the data including organizing, amending, retrieving, using, disclosing, erasing or destroying it. Processing can  also include transferring personal data to third parties, listening to a recorded message (e.g. on voicemail) or viewing personal data on a screen or in a paper document which forms part of a structed filing system. Viewing of clear, moving or still images of living individuals is also a processing activity.
Special categories of data (as identified in the GDPR) includes information about a person’s:
1. Racial or ethnic origin 2. Political opinions 3. Religious or similar (e.g. philosophical) beliefs 4. Trade union membership 5. Health (including physical and mental heal, and the provision of health care services) 6. Genetic data 7. Biometric data 8. Sexual life and sexual orientation.

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