Our Team

The Hands and Hearts Behind the Mission

Meet Pastor Philip Wafula

Here is his story:

My Story – Pastor Philip Wafula

My name is Philip Wafula, born in August 1988 in Kakamega, in the western part of Kenya. My early life was very difficult. When my father separated from my mother because of her health, he married another wife who did not want me in the family. I often had nowhere to stay, and life at home was full of pain and rejection.

At just 10 years old, I became deeply depressed and decided to end my life by jumping into a nearby river. But as I stood there, I heard a voice tell me not to do it — that God had a purpose and a bright future for me. I listened to that voice, and it changed my life.

With no peace at home and nothing to eat, I decided to leave and walk east, not knowing where I was going. I reached Webuye, where I saw big lorries carrying goods and decided to climb onto one. That is how I arrived in Naivasha, far from home, and began living on the streets of Kihoto.

Life on the streets was tough, but it felt better than home. I joined street gangs and survived any way I could until I was 18. Near where we stayed was a church that played beautiful, loud worship music. I used to stand outside and listen, though I was dirty and smelled bad. One day, a kind woman named Mama Ryan noticed me. She spoke to me and listened to my story — and that was the beginning of my transformation.

Mama Ryan rented a small room for me in the Kihoto slums for about $3.50 per month and helped me go back to school. It was not easy adjusting from street life, but with time I changed. I completed Grade 8 at the age of 26 and finally got my national ID card, which allowed me to look for work.

I could not find a job in Naivasha’s flower farms, so I learned barbering skills from a friend. Later, I moved to Eldoret, where I worked as a barber. It was there that I began my street ministry — using what little I earned to feed around 30 street families each evening. I understood their struggles because I had lived that life myself. Feeding and sharing the Word of God with them brought me great joy and purpose.

Throughout this time, as early as 2016, the Lord was whispering to my heart. I knew that eventually this mission would grow into something greater — for God does not stand still. In 2023, the Lord directed me to begin a Bible study in our home, and as it grew, He provided a new space. From that step of faith, Malava Chapel was born. God is so faithful! I used to pass by the building often and speak over it, declaring, “This will be a place of worship!” And in 2024, it became exactly that — our place of worship.

Today, by God’s grace, our ministry has grown. We continue to serve street children, orphans, and even men and women in prison, sharing the message of hope and redemption through Christ. Together with my wife, Helen, we also support young girls in schools who cannot afford sanitary towels. Many girls miss school every month and risk dropping out, so we provide what they need to stay in class.

At the moment, Helen and I also care for three orphans — some live with us, and others stay at our church. We provide food, clothing, and school fees as God provides.

My heart will always be for the vulnerable and forgotten, because I have been where they are. From the streets to the pulpit, my life is proof that God’s grace can transform any story.

Our Location

The Artos Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through compassionate outreach and support locally in Missouri, Kenya, South Africa and beyond.

Address

Parkville, Missouri

Malava, Kakamega, Kenya

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Artos Foundation?

The Artos Foundation fosters the needs of communities through physical, emotional, and spiritual support.

Where does Artos operate?

How can I help?

What are your core values?

Do you accept donations?

The Artos Foundation offices are in Parkville, MO. We partner with Malava Chapel and Artos Christian Center in Malava, Kenya, focusing on local outreach and community support. Contact us by texting the number below or emailing us at info@artosfoundation.org.

Yes, as a Non-Profit we accept donations which are tax deductible. You can help us by donating and spreading awareness about our mission and initiatives! To bring hope to those in need, click the "GIVE NOW" Button on the top of the screen.

Founded in Parkville, Missouri, USA in 2025, the ARTOS Foundation is a Non-Profit dedicated to serving men, women and children locally while extending its mission internationally to communities in Kenya and South Africa. However, our work spans multiple areas of need, including:

Ministering to men and women in prison, providing nourishing meals, health care and basic sanitary necessities and care for street children by offering food, clothing, and hope in Kenya. We partner with local churches to empower families, fostering sustainable growth and resilience.

Through faith-driven initiatives, our foundation seeks to meet both physical and spiritual needs, demonstrating God’s love in tangible ways.

Our Core Values

• Faith: Christ at the center of all we do.

• Compassion: Meeting needs with love and empathy.

• Service: Actively helping communities near and far.

• Empowerment: Equipping others to thrive.

• Integrity: Honest and accountable in all we do.

• Hope: Offering restoration and second chances.