Rachel Christen

Rachel Ann Christen, 20, of Fort Collins, Colorado died Thursday, May 22,2008 as a result of a motor vehicle accident.       Rachel Christen was born on September 4, 1987 to Steve and Julie Christen in Long Beach, California. She and her family moved to Fort Collins in 1992. As a student at Rocky Mountain High School, Rachel swam competitively, sang in multiple choirs, and developed her exceptional abilities as a sketch artist and painter. She graduated in 2005. She was a mentor and worship leader at her church, Immanuel Community, as a youth and college student. As a vocalist, guitarist and pianist, she led worship with deep love for God and a purity of heart. "Rachel was a passionate learner, always willing to serve," said College Pastor Jeff Feinberg. Loving and serving God were her priorities as she poured herself out to assist others in need, including nine mission trips to Mexico, two to Nicaragua, one to Peru, and twice to the Mississippi Gulf coast to aid Katrina victims. The Spanish language was quickly becoming her second language. Rachel was currently contemplating a seven month long mission training program in which she would later use more effectively after completing her nursing degree. Rachel held a full-time position at Poudre Valley Hospital as a unit assistant in pre-op and P.A.C.U. Part-time, she worked as a caregiver for her good friend, Matt Scott. Rachel was a weekly mentor at Wellington Jr. High School and was a volunteer reading- mentor at Dunn Elementary School. Rachel loved skiing, being outdoors, late night talks and laughing with her sister and kick boxing with her mom. She lived life with a unique style all her own, not only in dress and humor, but in relationships, thought and faith. She kept her focus and found her strength in these words of Jesus: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27). Rachel was preceded in death by her grandfather, Tullio Testa and her uncle, Jim Ennis. She is survived by her parents, Steve and Julie Christen; her brother, David, her sister, Carly; her maternal grandmother, Hazel Testa; and her paternal grandparents, Duane and Alphy Christen, all of Ft. Collins; aunts and uncles, Dayna Christen of Ft. Collins, Scott (and Jill) Christen of Menifee, CA, Dan (and Stephani) Christen of Ft. Collins, Mike Ennis of Las Vegas, NV, John (and Nancee) of Ft. Collins, Gina (and Byron) Waggoner of Arlington, WA; and numerous cousins, other family and many friends. "We grieve, but we do not grieve without hope," said Steve, Rachel's father. A graveside service will be held at 1:30 PM Wednesday, at Grandview Cemetery followed by a procession through Ft. Collins to Timberline Church where a celebration service will begin at 3:00 in the South Auditorium. The family requests that any memorial donations please be made to the Rachel Christen Mission Scholarship Fund (checks made to: Immanuel Community Church) and mailed to: ICC, 1725 West Mulberry, Ft. Collins, CO 80521. Or, please, simply leave your thoughts and memories on her Facebook "wall".