Through Southern Gospel music, Testimony seeks to encourage believers, reach the lost, and glorify Jesus Christ.
Founded in 2001 by Lane LeVan, Testimony began as a trio made up of Lane, his wife Angela, and several gifted artists along the way, including their sons. For nearly a decade, the group traveled extensively, often spending close to 200 days a year on the road, ministering through music to churches and events.
In 2010, Lane and Angela transitioned from full-time travel to serve as music ministry staff in the local church, faithfully pouring into worship and discipleship at home. Now, in 2025, having recently retired from local church music ministry, Testimony returns with renewed enthusiasm and a clear sense of purpose.
The group is thrilled to welcome soprano, Melissa Cates, a longtime friend of the LeVans. In fact, Angela and Melissa first sang together in their very first full-time group back in the late 1990’s, so this reunion feels a little like coming home!
As Testimony embraces this new season, their unwavering mission remains: To uplift believers, win the lost, and glorify the Lord through heartfelt Southern Gospel music, all while enjoying the journey. The best, they believe, is yet to come!
Lane LeVan is an accomplished songwriter, composer, musician, and producer whose life has been deeply rooted in gospel music from an early age. He serves as the tenor vocalist for Testimony and is married to Angela Dillard LeVan, the group’s alto vocalist. Together, they share a lifelong calling to minister through music. Lane is also the owner and manager of Testimony, overseeing both the musical and ministry direction of the group.
Lane’s musical journey began in childhood as the lead vocalist of The Lane LeVan Trio. As a teenager, he continued developing his craft singing and playing with The Gospel Voices Ministries, gaining valuable experience in performance and ministry.
He earned a degree in Music from Mars Hill University and also attended the Stamps-Baxter School of Music at Belmont College in Nashville, Tennessee. Lane has served as Minister of Music and Worship in various churches, where his leadership and heart for worship have influenced congregations and musicians alike.
Throughout his career, Lane has filled in with respected gospel groups including The Greenes, The Perrys, and the Blackwood Quartet.
His performance highlights include singing at Carnegie Hall in the debut of John Rutter’s Mass in Time of War, as well as working as a performer for Opryland at the Alabama Theater in Myrtle Beach.
With a lifetime devoted to music and ministry, Lane LeVan continues to use his God-given talents to inspire, encourage, and share the gospel through song.
Melissa Cates, a native of Gainesville, GA, was raised in a family deeply entrenched in Gospel Music which significantly shaped her musical journey. Melissa’s start in Gospel music began when travelling with her mom’s group, The Buffington Family. For the next several years, she was able to sing with various artists and sang for a period of time with beloved Gospel group, The Ruppes. She also participated in esteemed ensembles, including the Praise Team for the Young Messiah Tour. Like many singers, Melissa has always had a heart for singing in churches and dedicated many years of her life into local church ministry and worship.
Melissa and Angela began ministering together in the late 1990’s when they formed the group Exalt!, which later rebranded as Rejoice!. More recently, Melissa has performed with esteemed groups such as The Bledsoes and The Griffins. Through all of the opportunities that the Lord has given to her, her most favorite part has always been using her gifts to honor the Lord.
Now residing in Vonore, TN with her husband, Sam, Melissa’s passion for ministering though Gospel Music has led her to join the group Testimony where she also contributes her extensive marketing expertise. This new role represents yet another avenue for her ministry, and the group is eager to leverage her skills in various ways. However, it is her exceptional soprano voice that truly distinguishes her, infusing the group’s harmonies with a soothing and recognizable quality. Whether showcasing her impressive vocal range or providing exquisite supporting harmonies, Melissa has a remarkable ability to touch the hearts of her audience.
Melissa’s singing and stage presence reflect her profound love for the Lord and the calling she embraces in her life. Known for her genuine care and compassion for others, Testimony is fortunate to have her as an integral part of their ministry for many years to come.
Angela LeVan is an accomplished musician and songwriter whose heart for ministry has been evident since childhood. Growing up in a family deeply engaged in evangelism, Angela’s musical journey began at a young age as she sang alongside her father and sister while he traveled and served as an evangelist. Those early experiences laid the foundation for a lifelong passion for gospel music and ministry.
Angela attended Piedmont Bible College, where her calling continued to grow both musically and spiritually. She sang with several bi-vocational groups and took part in prestigious ensembles, such as the Praise Team for the Young Messiah Tour, until she received her first opportunity to minister with Southern Gospel legends, The Ruppes. During this time, she gained valuable experience in the Gospel Music ministry.
Shortly after, Angela and Melissa, the Soprano for Testimony, began singing together when they formed Exalt!, which later rebranded as Rejoice!. After Angela married Lane in 2000, the Tenor for Testimony, the two began a new chapter, forming the group and dedicating their lives to serving together through music and the local church. Angela also served alongside Lane in several churches, where they ministered together faithfully in various roles.
As the Alto for Testimony, Angela’s voice brings depth and richness to the group’s sound. Beyond singing, she plays a vital role behind the scenes contributing significantly to the writing and co-writing of many of the group’s songs. Her musical gifts, spiritual insight, and servant’s hears continue to shape the ministry and message of Testimony.