Help Reunite Family; Fight for Autism Support

Short & Sweet:

The Full Story:

Hi,

Who I am isn't as important as the heartbreaking story of this young father & the son of loving parents who dedicated most of 22 years as missionaries in Papua New Guinea. After receiving the news in February 2024 that their 3-year-old son is Autistic (Level II), Daniel Mundhenk and his wife, Margaret, dove into the internet. They knew it was critical to move to a city where the resources existed to give Oliver his best chance at living as normal a life as was possible. That city, they concluded, is Phoenix, Arizona; Arizona is a pioneer state in Autism research, care and funding, as well as home to the largest community of Autistic families, resources and therapies in the country. The move from Texas in April quickly gobbled up what monetary reserves they had and as Daniel began working in a new place, his wife, a stay-at-home mom, reached out to the community for Autism support. Together, they established Oliver in therapies, applied for state funding resources, and began to create the routine he so desperately needs.

In July, Margaret and both children (Oliver is 3.5, and Melody just recently turned 1) flew to her family's state of Georgia for a needed, relaxing visit. Daniel's parents came to Arizona during this time to be with Daniel as he celebrated his birthday. Margaret returned with the children a couple of days before the senior Mundhenks left so that they could spend some time with the grandchildren. Less than a week later, on July 25th, as Daniel worked from his home office, Margaret took the children "for a drive." As the hours ticked away, Daniel began to grow worried. Margaret had stopped responding to texts, and her phone began to go straight to voicemail. Nearly 5 hours later, Daniel received a text from his wife saying that she and her children had just boarded a plane back to Georgia where they intended to remain - permanently. The family SUV was left behind at the airport. That day at breakfast was the last time he saw them. He didn't get to hug them, tell them he loved them, or even say goodbye.

The next day, Margaret filed a divorce suit in an attempt to keep the children in Georgia, Oliver away from his resources in Arizona, and it has now been nearly a month since Daniel last hugged his children. He missed his daughter's 1st birthday, which was August 2nd. Margaret was raised in affluence as her father is an attorney. Her choices will not cost her a thing as she tears this family apart. On the other hand, Daniel is going to need all the monetary help he can get just to even the playing field. Since two states are involved, he has to have TWO attorneys. It's going to get expensive and we can help.

Please consider helping Daniel return his children to the home and state where Oliver can grow and thrive by making a donation. Prayers are encouraged and highly appreciated.