Bishop Kenneth Obi’s Praise Report to the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office

In the early hours of February 2, 2026, amid severe winter weather and widespread travel disruptions across Georgia, COGIC Bishop Kenneth Obi found himself stranded on a northbound highway after running out of fuel.

COGIC Bishop Kenneth Obi

What began as a routine workday at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport quickly turned into an unexpected test of faith, judgment, and resolve—one that would culminate in a meaningful encounter with the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office.

This testimony documents Bishop Obi’s experience as an immigrant, faith leader, and working professional navigating fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability, and it highlights the professionalism and compassion demonstrated by Gordon County deputies during the incident. His account underscores the role of calm leadership, effective training, and humane policing in moments of public need, offering a timely reflection on trust, service, and community responsibility.

His Testimony:

February 1–2, 2026
February 1st started like any other normal day for me—COGIC Bishop Kenneth Obi—who also works as an owner-driver. Due to severe weather conditions across the United States, many flights were delayed or canceled, including flights at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where I had been staying and working.

“That day, I had a client traveling to Dalton, Georgia. My fuel was low, but I believed I had just enough gas to drop him off. I asked him if there was a gas station at his exit (Exit 75 northbound), and he confidently said yes. That reassurance gave me peace, even though my gas light had already come on.

“Unfortunately, at Exit 317 northbound, there was no gas station. By the time we reached the next one, it was already closed—it was now past midnight, February 2nd. From the exit to my client’s drop-off point was less than 15 miles, and my fuel gauge—reading in kilometers instead of miles—was misleading. Eventually, I ran completely out of gas. But I thank God of Divine Word Int’l COGIC, who answered my prayers.

“In America today, many immigrants—and even citizens—are afraid of law enforcement. It was freezing cold, and my mind was racing: Why didn’t I stop for gas earlier? What do I do now? Then I heard a still, small voice that brought peace to my soul.

“I checked Uber and Lyft, only to find that rides required advance reservations. As the cold intensified, I made up my mind—like the four leprous men in the Bible—to take a step of faith and call 911. This wasn’t Jeremiah 33:3; this was the “popo.” As a foreign-born individual, I was honestly afraid.

“My fear was rooted in past experiences. In February 2024, at a gas station in Cartersville, Georgia, an officer ran my tag, approached me, and informed me there was a warrant for my arrest.
I was later arrested and spent a couple of days in custody over a simple battery charge that was eventually dismissed in Clayton County for lack of evidence. Coupled with today’s immigration crackdowns—and my recent ordeal of being stranded in Nigeria for over 60 days after misplacing my physical green card (despite having a valid return ticket)—my anxiety was very real.
With no other options, I waited inside my vehicle.

“Then, a patrol vehicle quietly pulled up behind me. Two young officers—young enough to be my children—stepped out. As I exited my car, almost with my hands raised, I looked at their countenance and, through the Spirit, knew I was in good hands.

“Deputy Sheriff’s Officers Michael and Cooper were exceptional—kind, professional, and compassionate. I also thank the Gordon County Sheriff, whose leadership and training were clearly evident in these officers.

“And a special shout-out to the female 911 operator whose calm reassurance over the phone deserves a huge hug. I regret not getting photos with my heroes that night, but their kindness will never be forgotten.

“To God be the glory.
I also presented Officers Michael and Cooper with copies of my book, Coming to America: The Naked Truth—From the Pit to the Palace (unsigned, as I had promised to sign later). It is a must-read classic—yes, even better than Eddie Murphy’s Coming to America—as it offers real solutions to the challenges immigrants face in foreign countries. Interestingly, when the book was first released in July 2010, it referenced businessman Donald Trump as a personal hero. Today, he is the president of the United States and a global advocate for peace, with the mission of making America great again”

The new book cover illustrates a powerful truth: it does not matter whether you are Black or White—the chains are broken to the glory of God.
Read the book online using the links Barnes and Noble:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/checkout/checkout.jsp?_requestid=2398014

Or Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/?&tag=googleglobalp-20&ref=pd_sl_7nnedyywlk_e&adgrpid=159651196451&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=675114638556&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5795721606051719435&hvqmt=e&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=21556&hvtargid=kwd-10573980&hydadcr=2246_13649807

Peoplesbishop@gmail.com 770-875-9085