Robert Irwin has recently started meeting with the missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after interacting with many members of the church during his run on Dancing with the Stars. Stars Whitney Leavitt and Jen Affleck, from the show Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, began sharing the gospel with Irwin since the show began.
“We could just see that he was being prepared by God to receive the restored gospel,” remarked Leavitt. “We know he’ll love the doctrine about eternal families.”
Robert’s dad, Steve Irwin passed away when he was only two years old. He’s repeatedly talked about how he misses his dad, including on last week’s episode of Dancing with the Stars, which he dedicated to his mom.
Shortly after this emotional performance, the missionaries taught Robert about temples and eternal families. Irwin reported feeling a strange yet familiar “burning in his bosom.”
The Elders who are teaching Irwin feel very positive about his progress. They hope to put him on date to get baptized shortly after the finale of Dancing with the Stars. Still, they are experiencing some opposition in the teaching process. “We’re really grateful for the referral, but member lessons have definitely been difficult. Whitney and Jen keep on teaching Robert some apostasy,” said Elder Hough.
The missionary spirit lives on in the Mormon wives as they help Robert to learn more about the gospel. Jen Affleck exclaimed, “I gave Robert a Book of Mormon on the first week of Dancing with the Stars, and he’s already in Mosiah!”
Though his costars have shown a lot of enthusiasm, Robert still plans to take things slowly before he commits to baptism. “Yeah, I’m not sure about this Joseph guy, but I’m overall having a great time learning with my mates, the Elders,” he said.
Robert’s dance partner, Witney Carson, could see an immediate difference in Irwin during their recent practices. “I knew something was up when Robert started suggesting that we incorporate some EFY dance moves in our next routine,” she said while rolling her eyes.
Only time will tell if the wildlife conservationist will experience a true change of heart. For now, the doctrine already seems to be making a difference in his dancing abilities. Maybe it’s the word of wisdom already at work.