When he saw the brownish, iron-tainted drinking water in Flint, Mich., John Moore was shocked into action.

“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing on the news,” said Moore, pastor of The Experience Church in Suffolk. “You just don’t think of this happening today in America.”

The city of Flint made national headlines on Jan. 5 after Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder declared a state of emergency in the city when water tested positive for dangerously high lead levels.

Moore took to Facebook and issued a challenge, calling on Virginians to donate bottled water to transport and distribute to Flint residents.

“It went viral,” Moore said. So far, his video post has been shared more than 450 times and viewed approximately 1,200 times.

On Sunday, The Experience Church, located at 4165 Pruden Blvd., will host a water drive and concert, Moore said. Individuals, organizations and churches are invited to hear performers and donate gallons of store-bought water to be shipped Feb. 1 to a church in Flint. That church will distribute the water.

After the concert, organizers will load up an 18-foot trailer to transport the water, Moore said.

“We have had amazing responses,” he said. More than 20 Hampton Roads churches, including Bethlehem Christian and Tabernacle Christian Outreach in Suffolk, have committed to sending contributions and representatives on Sunday.

“One church is donating 3,000 bottles of water. Another group is donating 7,000 bottles,” said Moore. People from as far away as Florida have called about making contributions, he said.

Moore said he isn’t surprised by the response.

“I think this hits home for people, because they realize if it can happen in Flint, it can happen anywhere in this country,” Moore said. “On Sunday, I hope we see unity, people coming together from all walks to life, to help the people of Flint.”

Checks can also be sent to The Experience Church at its mailing address: P.O. Box 5326, Chesapeake, VA 23324. All checks should be labeled “Water for Flint” in the memo line.

For more information, contact Moore at Johnmoore4094@gmail.com or by calling 347-1870.