April, 2007 – Norm Sonju, founder of the Dallas Mavericks NBA team, headlined a banquet (see pictures and video) that ISI and several other organizations in Arlington hosted for the thirty Executive MBA students who are at UTA from China.

There are 30 Chinese executives from the top companies in China who who are studying at UTA for one year to receive their MBA. The “Your Texas Friends” Team which includes ISI hosted a banquet for them at the end of April to welcome them. The featured speaker was Norm Sonju, founder and former general manager of the Dallas Mavericks. He shared his story about how he started the team, etc.

The students also were treated to a video with highlights of their first semester . and they were able to hear some christian music by a local church and wonderful chinese opera by one of the EMBA students. Finally, the team leader of the EMBA program shared a message of thanks to the “Your Texas Friends” Team. (see video) Food was provided by David’s Barbeque and China Chef.

Norm Sonju and all the other 130 american businessmen and families were obviously connecting well with the 30 students. It was incredible to see. One lawyer shared that it was incredible how God put him next to a Chinese Lawyer and how it make it wonderful to connect. Praise the Lord for all that God did in this special time. Pray also for the relationships formed to blossom and for God to work through all that happened this weekend.