George Q. Cannon's miraculous guidance to J. H. Napela and companions

In the spring of 1851, after serving for four months in Lahaina with little success and struggling with sickness, George Q. Cannon felt prompted by the Spirit to travel to Wailuku, a community on the island of Maui with a large native Hawaiian population. After a difficult four-day hike over the West Maui mountains, and feeling exhausted, frustrated, and disgusted by his lack of success, Cannon slipped and fell into the rain-swollen Iao stream near the home of Jonatana H. Napela. In that moment of near-despair, Cannon contemplated abandoning his mission and returning to Lahaina. However, he was intercepted by a group of local women who called out to him in Hawaiian, 'Hey keiki, E ka haole,' and then in English, 'Oh, here's the man in white.' This greeting was startling, as the family seemed to be expecting him; indeed, Napela had recently recounted a prophetic dream to his wife, Kiti, about a stranger in white who would bring them an important message. The warm reception and the realization that Napela had been prepared by the Lord to receive the gospel provided Cannon with the confidence to proceed. Cannon was introduced to Napela, his wife Kiti, and his companions Uaua and Kaleohano. This meeting marked the beginning of a vital companionship and an effective missionary effort in Wailuku.