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.
