Missing Christian Outreach Worker From Charlotte Found Unharmed

CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — Friends confirmed to Channel 9 Sunday morning that 26-year-old Matthew Hill was found alive and unharmed, though questions remained about his disappearance.

Rev. Andrew Holbrook, the pastor of Christ Convenant Church in Matthews, said he had few details about the situation, but that Hill is well.

"We're just thankful," Holbrook said. "His family is thankful, as well."

A group dedicated to finding Hill posted the following message on Twitter, "As of right now, the only true and confirmed details are A: Matt was found live and unharmed. B: He left under his own volition."

It was unclear as to where Hill was found and why he disappeared without contacting family or friends. Hill was working with a Christian campus outreach group in Washington, D.C. and was last seen Tuesday morning after dropping off a college student he was mentoring.

His father, Holger Hill, flew from North Carolina to Washington, D.C. last week to help in the search for his son.

"It's very uncharacteristic of him," Holger Hill said. "Family and friends are very important for him."

Friends set up a command center in D.C. and were scouring the city by passing out fliers. Police were working vigorously to follow up leads.

Police said they did not suspect foul play, but Hill's father said it was the only explanation he could come up with for his son's disappearance.

"I feel in my heart there is foul play." Holger Hill said, "There are pieces that don't make sense. The lamp reveals what the darkness conceals, and I just have to hold true to my faith and it's going to be good in the end."

Hill's loved ones in North Carolina prayed for a good outcome. They held a vigil Friday night at Christ Convenant Church in Matthews. Hill worked with the church's campus ministry before heading to D.C. last summer to continue his outreach work. The Rev. Holbrook worked with Hill and also considers him a friend.

"You watch this on TV and don't think it's going to happen in your neighborhood, to one of your friends," said Holbrook. "It's definitely hard."

WSOC