Wilson Van Winkle's Coming to Meher Baba Story recorded on Zoom July, 2026

Wilson shared his spiritual journey from childhood religious devotion to discovering Meher Baba. Wilson described growing up in a religious family, experiencing various church denominations from Southern Baptist to Unitarian Universalist, and eventually pursuing pastoral counseling and a doctoral program. He shared how A Course in Miracles profoundly transformed his understanding of spirituality, leading to a deep connection with Jesus that evolved into devotion to Meher Baba through his relationship with Giovanna Perna, whom he met through a handyman job and later married in a spiritual commitment to Baba. Wilson explained how his spiritual path involved losing previous certainties and religious identifications, emphasizing that true spiritual practice requires following a "big enough" teacher and that love remains the central theme in his relationship with Baba. Wilson's story illustrates how spiritual paths are highly individual and how life's challenges often serve as turning points on the spiritual journey.