The Chapter Most Families Overlook:
A Conversation on the Mennonite Story in Central Europe
Webinar
Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026
Time: 12 - 1 PM CST / 1 - 2 PM EST
Location: Zoom
For nearly two and a half centuries, Mennonite communities lived in Prussia and Poland — longer than many later lived in Russia.
We know this chapter is part of the story, but we don’t always linger there.
What was formed during those years?
Why were Mennonites drawn to this region?
How did life in Central Europe shape the communities that would later migrate east and west?
We know this chapter is part of the story.But we don’t always linger there.
Join John Sharp and Katarzyna (Kasia) Czaykowska for a conversation exploring this formative chapter. Together, they will reflect on the historical forces at work, the landscapes where communities took root, and why revisiting this period can deepen our understanding of the story many families carry today.
Whether you are tracing family roots or simply drawn to the layered history of Central Europe — from Prague to the Baltic Coast — this conversation invites a closer look at a chapter worth revisiting.
We look forward to welcoming you to this meaningful conversation.
Register Now
About our Speakers
John Sharp
Historian · Author · Educator · Pastor · Storyteller · Curious Traveler
John Sharp is a retired historian who taught at Hesston College in Kansas. He previously served as Director of the Mennonite Church USA Historical Committee and Archives. John holds an M.Div. from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary and has 15 years of experience as a pastor.
He has been an instructor for Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostel) courses on Amish life and culture and a frequent presenter for lifelong learning programs. His books include My Calling to Fulfill: The Orie O. Miller Story (Herald Press, 2015) and The Bible as Story: An Introduction to Biblical Literature (WorkPlay Publishing, 2017). Since 2000, John has led numerous TourMagination heritage tours to Western Europe, Prague and Poland, and Central Asia.
John is married to Michele Miller Sharp, a former physician assistant in family practice and currently Compliance and Eligibility Officer at Hesston College. Their family includes two living daughters and four grandchildren. In recent years, John’s storytelling has focused on the life and legacy of his son MJ, who in 2017 was abducted and killed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo while serving on a United Nations peace mission.
Reflecting on his travels, John often says, “There’s nothing like hearing stories on-site.” He continues to eagerly anticipate the stories, landscapes, and fellowship that await with every new journey.
Katarzyna (Kasia) Czaykowska
Tour Guide · Heritage Expert · Storyteller · Joyful Traveler
Kasia is TourMagination’s expert in Poland, bringing more than 25 years of experience and deep historical insight to our heritage journeys. Based in her hometown of Gdańsk, Kasia is a tour guide with extensive credentials covering Gdańsk, Toruń, the Pomeranian and Warmia-Mazury regions, as well as key historical sites such as the former Stutthof German concentration camp and the European Solidarity Center.
Kasia’s lifelong connection to northern Poland—and especially to the Żuławy Lowlands, once home to thriving Mennonite communities—has shaped her passion for exploring and sharing the Mennonite story in this region. She has helped TourMagination travelers retrace the paths of their ancestors, uncover hidden histories, and experience the enduring faith and resilience of the Mennonite people in Poland.
With Kasia’s deep knowledge, thoughtful storytelling, and genuine care for each traveler, she brings history to life. Her work reflects a commitment to meaningful travel—connecting people to place, memory, and the shared heritage that continues to inspire new generations.