‘Murals
of Hope’ bless South Bay
I
couldn’t help but stare at this house. Was I dreaming? Or was I really
looking at a virtual passion play proclaiming Jesus, LORD, right here on the
corner of Quintard and Orange in south Chula Vista. Confirmation. A minivan was
also stopped along the road, two women inside straining to see what I saw. This
was no mirage, but a sight to refresh the weary Christian soul.
Boldly
displayed along the stucco fences of the Carreno family property is the story
of our Savior’s birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension in a
series of painted murals. It’s not an art exhibit and it’s not a
ministry. It is a bold witness for Christ that comes from the heart of a man
whose faith compels him.
Luis
Carreno, owner of the home and patriarch, sometimes called “Noah”
or “Elijah” by his family for his flowing white hair and zealous
faith, gladly shared with me the reasons for his bold display. “I want
them not to attract Christians, but to attract those who don’t know
Christ,” he clarified concerning the paintings. “As long as the
Lord brings them here, then I can talk to them and Jesus can change their life,
like He did mine and my wife and my kids.”
Could
this encounter get any better? With further investigation, I found out, yes! As
you follow the paintings going west, screwed into the walls of a sort of outer
courtyard, which faces the southern branch of the Chula Vista Public Library,
is the inspired Word of God in Spanish including Deuteronomy 11:20-21, John
4:13-14 and Matthew 2:42. Above the Scriptures in wrought iron is the Christian
“fish” symbol three times with the English words, Jesus Christ, Son
of God, Savior.
I
first noticed the paintings last year when walking with my children to the
library. I had no idea the “project,” as Carreno calls it, was this
ornate or involved. Mr. Carreno continued the tour of his home and grounds,
where everything has a Biblical significance. The most prominent piece is a
fountain in which water flows from the palms of Jesus’ hands.
Last
Easter Carreno even added red food coloring to the fountain to make it appear
to be blood. At Christmas he put up a banner which said, “Happy Birthday,
Jesus!” above the fountain and next to the cross-topped flagpole, upon
which waves the American flag. Beside the fountain is Isaiah 49:16, “See,
I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually
before Me.” All of this is in plain view. All in an effort to stir the unbeliever
who might happen past.
I
could see in his gentle eyes the fire of the Spirit as he explained each piece
and painting of this 25-year project to me. The view from Quintard is equally
moving with the same Scriptures in English, the wrought iron message in Spanish
and paintings of various Old Testament Bible stories from Adam and Eve to Jonah
and the Whale. The multilingual message is his effort, “to reach both
nations,” so they, “come together,” he said.
Inside
the garden area, which is visible from the sidewalk, are more Scriptures:
Proverbs 22:6, Proverbs 29:15, I Timothy 2:4-5, John 14:6, and Acts 4:12, all
with a special connection to this labor of love. (I encourage those of you
reading this story to look up each Scripture, as it is God-breathed and has its
own purpose in each of our lives as we read it.)
I
stood in awe and for a year I had wondered about the kind of faith that takes
bold steps like this. What a profound way to reach the lost! Like a soapbox
preacher the message is proclaimed from the corner of a very busy street in a
very public arena for all to hear. And now I know and can say I am not
surprised, it’s the love of Christ that has been the driving motivation.
Not a specific church or organization. Not a religion. Simply Jesus.
The
vision for this passionate art project was born in 1979 when, as Mr. Carreno
describes, he was “reborn” at the age of 38. His baptism, the physical
representation of his “spiritual healing” happened a year later on
New Year’s Eve in his own “pool of Bethesda” which has been
used for many baptisms since. When
I asked about the artist, Carreno said the name, “Paola,” the
cousin of his brother-in-law who currently resides in Guadalajara. She had
helped bring the vision into a reality and had launched what Carreno considers
his life’s ministry, to decorate his home in such a way as to draw the
lost to Jesus Christ.
The
murals have been a part of the family’s witness since December 2003 at
Christmas. However, what is so striking about Carreno’s vision is that
this isn’t just a Christmas/Easter witnessing effort — it is an
every day message of hope for the lost and encouragement for the heavy laden.
The love of Christ, so emblazoned on his heart and soul, became a permanent
fixture on the gates of his home just like the verse on display shows.
“And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your
gates, that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the
land...” Deuteronomy 11:20-21.
The
lawn facing the library is the venue for his continued witnessing efforts
where, “every Friday the Lord told me to put new signs.” With
God-inspired messages like, “Jesus recycles ‘cans’ —
Americans. Mexicans. Puerto Ricans,” and, “Heaven will be full,
make reservations quickly!” Carreno is like a Christian soldier marching
forth holding the banner of God’s love overhead.
Carreno
spent many years involved in various churches and ministries, at times even
opening his home to various church groups to meet and discuss, “only the
Gospel and Christ. No talk about money.” He referred to Matthew 6:33
stating, “and the Lord has blessed me,” for seeking first His
kingdom. He shared about trips to Israel and included stories of his 15 years
serving inmates with the San Diego County Jail Ministries.
Though
Carreno still finds time to visit the South Bay County Jail every other Friday,
he said that he feels the Lord has called him to minister to his family now and
to complete the “project” which has already blessed many. Married to wife, Clotilve, Carreno has
5 adult children and ten grandchildren to share the love of Christ with,
besides those admiring the view. Luis Carreno says the Lord told him that many
thousand people would come to see His project. Time will tell, but I’m
sure glad I did. Reporting from the corner of Quintard and Orange in Chula
Vista, where you’ll find salt and light available to all the lonely, lost
and weary travelers just passing by.
Codie
Brenner is a freelance writer and married mother of two. She’s called
Chula Vista home for 19 years. She has degree in journalism from Pepperdine
University and works as the librarian for Calvary Christian Academy in Otay
Ranch.